Nottingham Forest 2025/26 Season Preview
A Big Season Ahead for Forest
Nottingham Forest are entering the 2025/26 Premier League season on a high note. Last year, by finishing 7th, they earned a spot in European competition — their first return for three decades. The excitement is tempered, though, because their pre-season form has been weak; the team scored only once in seven friendlies. This raises concerns about scoring goals and being composed in front of the net.
New Style, New Challenges
Manager Nuno Espírito Santo is shifting the team’s tactical approach. Instead of playing mostly on the counter, Forest plans to hold more of the ball and control games through possession. This change has been welcomed internally, but adapting under pressure—especially when balancing Premier League and European fixtures—won’t be easy for a squad with limited depth.
Squad Changes and Key Players
The loss of Anthony Elanga is a major blow — his electric pace was central to the old system. However, Forest’s record signing, Dan Ndoye, is expected to fill the gap. Ndoye arrives with a strong reputation from his time at Bologna and European experience.
Retaining Morgan Gibbs-White has been a huge boost. Despite interest from Tottenham, he stayed at the club and signed a new three-year deal. This retention, largely credited to owner Evangelos Marinakis, has been widely praised.
On the backroom side, Forest added Edu as Global Head of Football — another sign they are building for the future. Stadium expansion plans also went through, with approval for a new stand to increase capacity to 35,000.
Young Talent on the Rise
Amid tight schedules, Forest may rely more on youth. Defender Zach Abbott signed a four-year deal and is set to play more often. Meanwhile, striker Taiwo Awoniyi needs to rediscover his form after a tough previous season. If he finds his scoring touch early, it could spark confidence across the team.
Season Outlook
Forest’s entry into Europe is historic and energizing, but it puts pressure on their relatively small squad. If the new playing style takes hold and forwards like Ndoye and Awoniyi start strong, the team could build on last year’s high. But if injuries pile up or form falters, their focus may shift quickly to securing Premier League safety.
Prediction
We suggest a 12th-place finish — realistic for a team balancing a European campaign with domestic demands. Another perspective adds cautious optimism: given Forest’s overachievement last season, a steady mid-table finish would still be a win.
In summary, Nottingham Forest must adapt to new tactics, manage squad rotation, and rediscover finishing precision. A 12th-place finish strikes the right balance between their ambitions and the challenges ahead.
