Antevisão do Nottingham Forest vs Brentford

• Empate ou vitória do Brentford
• Over 1.5 goals in the second half

Nottingham Forest begin their 2025/26 Premier League campaign with optimism mixed with a dose of realism. After finishing seventh last season — their highest top-flight position since the 1994/95 campaign — the club earned a place in the UEFA Europa League. That achievement marked a significant milestone under Nuno Espírito Santo, but the mood heading into the opener is tempered by a difficult pre-season and the loss of several key players.

Forest’s seven warm-up fixtures yielded no wins (D5, L2), a run that has exposed lingering issues in converting chances and closing out games. The departure of winger Anthony Elanga, who was central to their attacking threat last term, leaves a noticeable gap in creativity and pace out wide. Nuno has responded with targeted signings, notably Swiss winger Dan Ndoye from Bologna and Brazilian forward Igor Jesus from Botafogo, both of whom are expected to bring fresh energy in the final third. A major boost for supporters is Morgan Gibbs-White committing to a new contract, keeping the club’s creative heartbeat in the fold. Still, the weight of recent history hangs over them: Forest are winless in their last seven season-opening league fixtures (D2, L5), and a sluggish start here would risk puncturing early-season momentum.

Brentford arrive at the City Ground in the midst of a significant transition. After six years in charge, Thomas Frank departed for Tottenham over the summer, ending one of the most successful managerial eras in the club’s history. In his place comes Keith Andrews, who steps into a Premier League hot seat for the first time. He inherits a squad that has been reshaped by high-profile departures — Bryan Mbeumo, Christian Nørgaard, and goalkeeper Mark Flekken have all been sold. The loss of such established performers has prompted bookmakers to install the Bees among the early-season relegation candidates.

Despite these upheavals, Brentford’s pre-season offered reasons for cautious optimism. They came through their warm-up campaign unbeaten, a sign that Andrews may already be instilling resilience and organisation. Historically, the Bees have been strong starters in the Premier League, never losing their opening match (W2, D2), and their knack for adapting quickly to new challenges will be vital if they are to maintain their top-flight status.

História do confronto direto

Forest’s recent record against Brentford is one they will be keen to put right. They have won only once in the last eight competitive meetings (D3, L4), with Brentford securing a 2-0 win at the City Ground as recently as April. That defeat formed part of Forest’s wider struggles in breaking down Brentford’s compact and disciplined defensive set-up.

The Bees, for their part, have often found ways to frustrate Forest and capitalise on transitions, making this match-up one that tends to suit their tactical preferences. If that pattern holds, Brentford will back themselves to earn at least a point on opening day.

Estatísticas e sequências quentes

• Forest’s late-game struggles: They haven’t scored a Premier League home goal after the hour mark since February 2025.
• Slow starters: Forest ended last season failing to score first in their final four home league games.
• Brentford’s away form: The Bees boasted the best Premier League away record of any club in the 2025 calendar year (W7, D2, L1).
• Consistent scorers: Brentford have found the net in each of their last seven competitive matches (W4, D2, L1).

Key Players to Watch and Missing Players

For Nottingham Forest, goalkeeper Matz Sels was a cornerstone of their success last season, keeping 13 Premier League clean sheets — the joint-most in the division.

His command of the penalty area and ability to produce big saves under pressure will be crucial, especially against a Brentford side adept at turning limited chances into goals. In attack, Morgan Gibbs-White will shoulder much of the creative responsibility, linking midfield to forward areas and seeking to unlock what could be a stubborn visiting defence.

For Brentford, forward Kevin Schade enjoyed a breakout campaign last season, netting a career-best 11 Premier League goals.

Crucially, Brentford won all eight matches in which he scored, underlining his importance as a match-winner. With Mbeumo gone, Schade’s movement in behind and composure in front of goal will be pivotal.

In terms of absentees, Forest remain without midfielder Nicolás Domínguez, who is sidelined long-term with a knee injury. Brentford’s main concern is goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, who picked up a knock in training and faces a late fitness test. Should he be ruled out, Andrews will need to decide between an inexperienced deputy or making a short-term market move.

Análise de apostas

Given the contrasting trajectories of the two clubs, the betting markets present an intriguing puzzle. Forest’s struggles in season-openers and against Brentford specifically make them difficult to back with confidence at short odds. Meanwhile, Brentford’s excellent away form in 2025 and unbeaten record in Premier League openers suggest they can take something from this match.

The double chance market (Brentford win or draw) looks appealing, offering cover for both a hard-fought stalemate and a possible away upset. For those seeking a higher-risk, higher-reward angle, backing Brentford to score in the second half could provide value, given Forest’s habit of fading after the break and the Bees’ proven threat in the latter stages of matches.

Para mais informações sobre este jogo, também podes visitar:
Nottingham Forest v Brentford | 2025/2026 | Premier League | Overview