Nottingham Forest can look ahead to the 2026/27 season now the Premier League fixtures have been released. The Reds' opening game, at home to Leeds United on August 22, is a couple of months away. Plenty of time, then, for transfer business to get done and Vitor Pereira to work his magic on the training ground. Challenging further up the table will be the aim for Pereira's charges when the new term begins. A lot can happen between now and then - after all, it wouldn’t be Forest without some twists and turns. The Nottingham Post has dug out our crystal ball and conjured up some early predictions for the campaign ahead. Nottingham Forest's European adventure was one to treasure - even if it did end in heartbreak - and everyone Trentside is eager for more. With almost half of the Premier League having to navigate continental fixtures this time around, there is an opportunity to be exploited. Forest know full well how difficult it can be to balance competing on both domestic and international fronts, so they may be able to take advantage of the struggles of others. A hectic schedule was tricky to cope with last term. This time, with fewer midweek fixtures and a reduction in miles travelled, the Reds should feel the benefits of the extra rest. Not every signing made last summer hit the ground running Trentside. Several had underwhelming seasons. Cash was splashed but the club didn’t necessarily see the full fruits of that money spent. Newcomers like James McAtee, Dan Ndoye, Omari Hutchinson and Dilane Bakwa didn’t exactly make the mark. History has taught us not to rush to judgement, though. Ibrahim Sangare is a perfect example of that, with the midfielder having found form after a challenging start to life at the City Ground. Players are only human; it can take some longer to adapt to a change of surroundings than others. How about a repeat of the Sangare scenario where those who struggled in 2025/26 shine this time around? After all, Pereira has said McAtee is capable of doing ‘magical things’ in training. If Elliot Anderson does head to Manchester City, as is expected, it will leave a significant gap to be filled. The “Geordie Maradona” has been a vital part of the Reds’ midfield and his quality is undeniable. Finding a replacement might seem like a daunting prospect for Forest. But they have form for sourcing hidden gems and helping them to develop. Anderson himself has progressed hugely in the past couple of years since arriving from Newcastle United. Now he is worth a nine-figure sum. Murillo is another example. Jair Cunha looks like he is a bright prospect. With a bit of luck, the Reds will be able to uncover another unknown capable of going on to big things. Predicting where Forest will finish in the table this far out is a tough task, but one thing is certain - the Reds will be giving it their all to secure a top-seven finish.