Nottingham Forest host Brentford on Sunday, with the visitors to leave out Yoane Wissa amid transfer talks with Newcastle United.
Nottingham Forest vs. Brentford lineups: Predicted starting XI, team news, injury latest with Yoane Wissa out of Premier League opener originally appeared on The Sporting News
Nottingham Forest welcome Brentford to the City Ground on August 17 in what promises to be a lively start to the new season for both clubs.
Forest, who finished seventh and secured a return to European football in 2024/25, have been active in shaping their squad for the challenges ahead. They brought in striker Igor Jesus and centre-back Jair Cunha and are reportedly pushing to sign Manchester City midfielder James McAtee and pursuing American talent Yunus Musah.
The mood around the club lifted further when Morgan Gibbs-White committed his future by signing a new deal, despite strong interest from Tottenham, keeping him at the heart of Nuno Espirito Santo's plans.
With Anthony Elanga joining Newcastle United and both Danilo and Matt Turner moving on, space has opened for new arrivals to influence Forest's style and approach.
Brentford, under new management, have also been busy in the transfer market while facing uncertainty over key forwards.
Bryan Mbeumo has already made a move to Manchester United, and Yoane Wissa remains the subject of interest from Newcastle and Forest.
To strengthen their hand, Brentford added goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, midfielder Jordan Henderson, promising wingers Romelle Donovan and Antoni Milambo, and full-back Michael Kayode.
MORE: Premier League striker rankings: Comparing each club's No. 9 options ahead of 2025/26 EPL season
Nottingham Forest vs. Brentford lineups: Predicted starting XI, team news, injury latest
Nottingham Forest will be without Nicolas Dominguez until the autumn after the midfielder underwent knee surgery over the summer.
Other than that, the first team is largely injury-free for their Premier League opener.
New signing Dan Ndoye is expected to start on the right, replacing Elanga, while Chris Wood should lead the attack despite a low-scoring preseason in which Forest managed just one goal in seven games.
The new signing from Botafogo, Igor Jesus — who has partnered Wood in some friendlies — is likely to start on the bench.
Nottingham Forest predicted starting XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Sels (GK) — Aina, Milenkovic, Murilo, Williams — Yates, Anderson — Ndoye, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi — Wood
Injured: Dominguez (knee)
Suspended: None
Brentford will be without Vitaly Janelt and Gustavo Nunes, both sidelined until mid-September with ankle and thigh injuries respectively.
Kevin Schade, Ethan Pinnock and Kelleher are being assessed ahead of the opener. Goalkeeper Kelleher and winger Schade have stronger chances of being involved, but Hakon Valdimarsson and Keane Lewis-Potter are ready to step in.
Wissa has not featured in preseason amid speculation over a transfer, and Keith Andrews said he would include the forward in the squad for this game.
Brentford predicted starting XI (4-3-3, right to left): Kelleher (GK) — Kayode, Collins, Van den Berg, Henry — Jensen, Yarmoliuk — Carvalho, Damsgaard, Lewis-Potter — Thiago
Injured: Janelt (ankle), Nunes (thigh) , Schade (knock, doubt), Pinnock (other, doubt), Kelleher (other, doubt)
Suspended: None
Nottingham Forest vs. Brentford match details
- Date: Sunday, August 17, 2025
- Kickoff time: 2 p.m. local time / 9 a.m. ET / 6 a.m. PT
- Location: City Ground, Nottingham (England)
- Competition: Premier League
- Referee: Peter Bankes
- VAR: Andy Madley
MORE PREMIER LEAGUE NEWS:
- Why Nottingham Forest decided against selling Morgan Gibbs-White to Tottenham
- Bryan Mbeumo transfer fee: How much will Man United pay and what did Brentford sign him for?
- Transfer dominoes: Bournemouth's move for Amine Adli could finally trigger Yoane Wissa's Newcastle switch
Category: General Sports
