Nottingham Forest games for the remainder of the 2025/26 Premier League season feature several high-stakes fixtures as the club battles for top-flight survival, including a crucial away trip to Tottenham on March 22 and a home clash against Aston Villa on April 11. Following a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Fulham on March 15, Forest currently sits 17th in the Premier League table with 29 points, hovering just above the relegation zone on goal difference. Under the leadership of head coach Vítor Pereira, the “Tricky Trees” are also balancing a historic European run, with a pivotal UEFA Europa League Round of 16 second-leg tie against FC Midtjylland scheduled for Thursday, March 19.
This comprehensive guide provides everything you need to know about upcoming Nottingham Forest matches, recent form, key players like Morgan Gibbs-White, and practical advice for visiting the world-famous City Ground.
Upcoming Nottingham Forest Fixtures 2026
The next six weeks are arguably the most important in Nottingham Forest’s recent history, as the club faces a mix of top-six contenders and direct relegation rivals. Most matches are scheduled for standard weekend slots, though Europa League commitments often move league games to Sundays.
March 2026 Schedule
On Thursday, March 19, Forest hosted FC Midtjylland in the Europa League Round of 16 second leg, a match that could see the club progress to their first major European quarter-final in decades. This is followed by a “six-pointer” in the Premier League against Tottenham Hotspur away at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday, March 22, at 2:15 PM.
April 2026 Schedule
The action returns to the City Ground on Saturday, April 11, for a 3:00 PM kick-off against Aston Villa. This is followed by a critical home game against Burnley on Saturday, April 18, and a difficult away trip to the Stadium of Light to face Sunderland on Saturday, April 25.
Recent Results and Current Form
Nottingham Forest’s form in early 2026 has been characterized by defensive resilience but a struggle to find the back of the net consistently. The appointment of Vítor Pereira in February 2026 was aimed at injecting more tactical fluidity into a side that had become overly reliant on set pieces under previous management.
The March Stalemate
The most recent result was a 0-0 draw against Fulham at the City Ground on March 15. While the point moved Forest out of the relegation zone, fans and pundits viewed it as a missed opportunity, as the team failed to capitalize on several late chances created by Morgan Gibbs-White.
Tactical Overview
Pereira has largely favored a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Igor Jesus leading the line and a creative trio of Hudson-Odoi, Gibbs-White, and Anderson behind him. Defensively, the partnership of Murillo and Nikola Milenković has been a bright spot, helping Forest maintain one of the better defensive records among the bottom half of the table.
Key Players to Watch
Several standout performers have been instrumental in keeping Nottingham Forest’s survival hopes alive during the 2025/26 campaign.
- Morgan Gibbs-White: The club’s talisman and top league scorer with 8 goals. His vision and ability to transition the ball from midfield to attack remain Forest’s primary offensive threat.
- Murillo: The Brazilian center-back continues to draw attention from Europe’s elite clubs for his ball-playing ability and aggressive defensive style.
- Igor Jesus: A key signing who has provided much-needed physicality up front, currently leading the club’s overall scoring charts with 12 goals across all competitions.
- Elliot Anderson: The former Newcastle man has become the engine of the midfield, leading the team in successful passes and defensive contributions.
Practical Information and Planning
Attending a Nottingham Forest game at the City Ground is a bucket-list experience for many football fans, known for its atmosphere and the iconic “Mull of Kintyre” pre-match anthem.
- Opening Hours: The Ticket Office at the City Ground typically opens at 9:00 AM on matchdays. Turnstiles usually open 90 minutes before kick-off.
- Ticket Prices: Premier League home tickets generally range from £30 to £55 for adults, though high-demand games can be significantly more expensive on hospitality platforms.
- How to Get There: The stadium is a 20-minute walk from Nottingham Railway Station. Frequent Green Line buses (5–11) run from the city centre directly to stops near Trent Bridge.
- What to Expect: A passionate, vocal crowd of over 30,000. Be prepared for heavy traffic around West Bridgford and Trent Bridge starting two hours before kick-off.
- Tips for Visitors: Visit the Brian Clough Statue in the city centre before heading to the ground, and enjoy a pre-match drink at one of the historic pubs along the canal or near the stadium.
Club History Overview
Nottingham Forest, founded in 1865, boasts one of football’s richest tapestries, evolving from local league pioneers to European conquerors under Brian Clough. Their games trace back to the Football League’s inception, with early successes in the Second Division leading to First Division titles in 1978. Clough’s arrival in 1975 transformed fixtures into spectacles, peaking with back-to-back European Cup wins against Malmö and Hamburg.
The 1978/79 European Cup run featured gritty away victories, like 2-0 at AEK Athens, showcasing John Robertson’s crossing mastery. Domestically, Forest’s games against Liverpool and Manchester United defined eras, blending flair with resilience. Post-Clough, the 1990s brought promotion battles, while 2022’s Premier League return revived high-stakes fixtures.
Early Years Matches
Forest’s inaugural games in 1865 pitted them against local rivals like Notts County in friendly derbies at the Forest Recreation Ground. By 1890s league entry, matches yielded promotions, including a 1900 Second Division title with 72 points from 34 games. Key 1920s fixtures saw crowd favorites like Henry Cursham score hat-tricks in FA Cup ties.
These early encounters built fan loyalty through packed terraces and muddy pitches, with attendances hitting 20,000 for big games. Rivalries formed early, as Forest’s red shirts clashed with blue-collar neighbors. Tactical simplicity—long balls and wing play—dominated, laying groundwork for future dominance.
Brian Clough Era
Clough’s 18-year tenure delivered 12 major trophies, with games defined by 4-4-2 diamond formations and psychological edge. The 1978 league title clinched via a 1-0 win over Liverpool on May 6, Garry Birtles scoring the decider before 37,000 fans. European Cup finals remain legendary: Trevor Francis’s volley sealed 1979’s 1-0 win in Munich.
Clough’s banter fueled pre-match hype, turning fixtures into national events. Post-1980 Hamburg triumph (1-0), games like the 1989 Full Members’ Cup final loss to Luton tested resilience. His exit in 1993 left a void, but 1,179 games underscored unmatched consistency.
European Cup Glory
Forest’s 1979 European Cup campaign started with a 7-1 aggregate over Grasshoppers, escalating to Malmö’s 1-0 final defeat on May 30 in Munich. Archie McDougall’s goal came from Robertson’s pinpoint cross, watched by 57,000. The 1980 defense of the title beat Hamburg 1-0 in Madrid, Peter Shilton’s saves pivotal.
These games revolutionized English football, proving provincial clubs could conquer Europe. Qualifiers like 3-1 at Dinamo Dresden highlighted away grit. Legacy endures in replayed highlights and fan chants echoing City Ground rafters.
Premier League Return
Promoted via 2022 playoffs with a 1-0 win over Huddersfield, Forest’s top-flight games began with promise. The 2022/23 survival saga featured Taarabt’s magic in a 3-1 Everton upset on April 21, 2023. Nuno’s 2024 arrival stabilized, with 2024/25 yielding 12 wins by May.
Mid-table finishes followed, games against Big Six sides showcasing counters. The 2025/26 opener drew 1-1 at Bournemouth on August 17, 2024. Current form under March 2026 sees them eyeing Europe.
2024/25 Season Breakdown
Forest’s 2024/25 Premier League campaign exploded with 15 wins, including 7-0 thrashing of Brighton on February 1, 2025. Road triumphs like 3-0 at Wolves on January 6 defined resilience, Morgan Gibbs-White netting braces. The FA Cup run ended in the semis, 2-0 loss to City on April 27.
Key stats: 52 goals scored, fewest clean sheets but lethal set-pieces. Home form unbeaten until May’s Brentford slip. This season marked an ascent, rivaling top-half pushes.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the next Nottingham Forest home game?
The next home game at the City Ground is against FC Midtjylland in the Europa League on Thursday, March 19, 2026. The next Premier League home game is against Aston Villa on April 11.
Who is the current manager of Nottingham Forest?
Vítor Pereira is the head coach, having been appointed on February 15, 2026. He replaced Sean Dyche, who was in charge for less than four months.
How do I buy tickets for Nottingham Forest games?
Tickets are primarily sold via the official club website. Due to high demand, most games require a MyForest Membership to access the priority booking windows.
What is the capacity of the City Ground?
The City Ground has a capacity of 30,445. Average attendance for the 2025/26 season has remained high at approximately 30,427.
Where is Nottingham Forest in the Premier League table?
As of March 18, 2026, Nottingham Forest is in 17th place with 29 points from 30 matches, leading 18th-place West Ham on goal difference.
Who is Nottingham Forest’s top scorer this season?
Igor Jesus is the top scorer in all competitions with 12 goals. Morgan Gibbs-White leads the team in Premier League goals with 8.
Can I park at the City Ground on matchdays?
There is no public parking at the stadium on matchdays. Fans are encouraged to use the Park & Ride facilities at the Forest Recreation Ground or Queen’s Drive.
What time does the Nottingham Forest club shop open?
The Megastore at the City Ground typically opens at 9:00 AM and closes at 5:00 PM on weekdays, with extended hours on matchdays.
Is Nottingham Forest still in the Europa League?
Yes, as of March 2026, Forest is in the Round of 16. They drew their first leg against FC Midtjylland and played the deciding second leg at home on March 19.
How far is the City Ground from Nottingham train station?
The stadium is approximately 1 mile from the station, which is a flat 15 to 20-minute walk across the canal and Trent Bridge.
Final Thoughts
Nottingham Forest finds itself at a critical juncture in a historically busy season. Currently positioned 17th in the Premier League with 29 points, the club is locked in a fierce relegation battle, holding onto safety by the narrowest of margins over West Ham. However, the season remains uniquely prestigious due to a deep run in the UEFA Europa League, where the club is competing in the Round of 16 for the first time in the modern era.The appointment of Vítor Pereira on February 15, 2026, has brought a more tactical, possession-oriented approach to the City Ground, though league wins have remained elusive during his first month. The club is currently prioritizing defensive stability to secure the points needed for top-flight survival while managing the physical toll of European midweeks.
To Read More: Manchester Independent