Nottingham Forest’s pre-season review: five goals, two clean sheets and key questions ahead of Leeds opener

Nottingham Forest have already made a strong start under new head coach Oliver Glasner, winning both pre-season friendlies so far. The Reds beat Notts County and Blackburn Rovers, scoring five goals and keeping clean sheets in each match. With the Premier League opener against Leeds United on August 22 now just under a month away, Forest’s summer programme has got off to a positive note.

What’s Glasner’s system so far?

It wasn’t a shock to see Forest deploy a back three in their first outing at Meadow Lane. Glasner had said he wasn’t tied to one set-up, but the three-at-the-back shape has been his go-to since arriving at the City Ground. Both friendlies featured different XIs in each half, yet the system stayed the same. Glasner admits defensive work still needs sharpening, and players are adjusting to the demands-especially the wing-backs who play a key role in this shape.

How sharp is Forest’s attack?

Forest have looked lively going forward, with Igor Jesus and Arnaud Kalimuendo each finding the net twice and Taiwo Awoniyi adding a goal. Chris Wood will be eager to stake his claim now he’s linked up with the squad. Glasner’s teams have struggled against low blocks in the past, so how he adapts will be worth watching as the real tests loom.

Are Forest’s youngsters ready?

The Nigel Doughty Academy continues to deliver, and Glasner hasn’t shied away from blooding youth before. Zach Abbott has stepped up and impressed in pre-season, while 18-year-old Grady McDonnell started both second halves and looked composed. Breaking into a Premier League side is never easy, but Forest’s academy pipeline looks promising.

What questions remain before August 22?

Forest’s first Premier League game is at home to Leeds United on August 22, with just over three weeks until kick-off. Glasner has stressed there’s still work to do, and the Reds sit 16th in the Premier League with 44 points from last season’s final table. The countdown is on, and the big questions-who starts, who fits the system, and how quickly the squad gels-are still to be answered.