Manager Nuno Espírito Santo, fresh off a new contract until 2028, brings stability and calm to the squad heading into a season packed with both domestic and continental matches.
Nottingham Forest fixtures 2025:
17 August: Nottingham Forest vs Brentford
24 August: Crystal Palace vs Nottingham Forest
31 August: Nottingham Forest vs West Ham United
13 September: Arsenal v Nottingham Forest
20 September: Burnley v Nottingham Forest
The campaign begins on 17 August at home to Brentford, a team in transition after a managerial change. It's a favourable fixture for Forest, who will look to take advantage of home support and a less settled opponent.
A week later they travel to Crystal Palace - a side riding high after their FA Cup success and strong league form. It's a tougher task, and Forest will need to stay organised in a difficult away environment.
Nuno's side close out the month at home to West Ham, another side adapting to new leadership under Graham Potter. With consistency still an issue for the Hammers, Forest will view this as a winnable home fixture.
After the international break, things step up with a trip to Arsenal on 13 September. The Gunners will be favourites, but early-season fixture congestion could give Forest a small window of opportunity.
To round off the opening five fixtures, Forest travel to Burnley, a newly promoted but resilient side. Turf Moor is never easy, but Forest's growing experience should help them cope.
In terms of transfer activity, Forest have already added Brazilian duo Igor Jesus and Jair Cunha from Botafogo as well as highly-rated Switzerland international Dan Ndoye. Meanwhile, Anthony Elanga has been sold to Newcastle for over 50 million pounds in what could prove to be a smart bit of business.
Club captain Ryan Yates admits how Forest fare in their opening fixtures will be the 'true test' of whether they are able to replicate and better the success of last season.
"We have bonded as a group really well and have got to know the new players," Yates added. "The first five to 10 games of the season will be the true test."
Nottingham Forest standings - Historic log positions
2020/21 - 17th (Championship)
2021/22 - 4th (Championship)
2022/23 - 16th
2023/24 - 17th
2024/25 - 7th
Crystal Palace enter the 2025/2026 Premier League season with silverware in hand and growing ambition, having claimed their first-ever major trophy with last season's FA Cup win, followed by lifting the Community Shield.
Brentford step into the 2025/2026 Premier League season facing the most uncertain chapter of their recent history following the departure of long-time manager Thomas Frank.
Bournemouth head into the 2025/2026 Premier League campaign riding high after setting a club-record Premier League points tally last season.
Nigeria and Bayer Leverkusen forward Nathan Tella has reportedly attracted interest from five Premier League clubs during this summer transfer window.
