Nottingham Forest continued their pre-season preparations with a behind-closed-doors friendly against Vitória de Guimarães at the Algarve Stadium in Portugal. The match, played on Sunday, gave manager Oliver Glasner another opportunity to assess his squad ahead of the 2026-27 Premier League campaign. Forest finished 16th in the 2025 season with 44 points (11W-11D-16L), narrowly avoiding relegation and ending the campaign with a 1-1 draw against Bournemouth on May 24, 2026.
How did Nottingham Forest perform in pre-season so far?
Forest entered the match on the back of two convincing pre-season victories, defeating Notts County 2-0 and Blackburn Rovers 3-0 without conceding a goal. The defensive solidity under Glasner’s new tactics has been a standout feature, with the team yet to concede in their opening friendlies. The match against Vitória de Guimarães, a side in strong pre-season form, provided a sterner test of their progress.
What does this friendly mean for Nottingham Forest’s preparations?
For Forest, the game was another step in implementing Glasner’s tactical ideas before the Premier League season begins. The Austrian manager has been working on refining the team’s defensive structure while also encouraging a more dynamic attacking approach. With key players getting valuable minutes, the friendly allowed the coaching staff to evaluate fitness levels and tactical cohesion ahead of the competitive season.
What’s next for Nottingham Forest?
After this pre-season fixture, Nottingham Forest will shift their focus to their upcoming Premier League campaign. Their next competitive match is at home against Chelsea on November 28, 2026. Chelsea, who finished 10th in the 2025 season, will pose a tough challenge as Forest look to improve on their 16th-place finish and secure a more comfortable position in the league.
