Who does Opta's Supercomputer predict to challenge for Europe?published at 11:57 6 August
11:57 6 August
Opta's Supercomputer has once again predicted the upcoming 2025-26 Premier League season by using a model to simulate every match 10,000 times.
Image source, Opta
It is not yet clear if the team that finishes fifth in this season's Premier League will secure a Champions League spot again as that outcome depends on how representatives performance in Europe this season.
Therefore, based on needing a top-four finish to reach the Champions League and fifth getting the Europa League, Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea are favourites again, but there is still plenty of hope for others.
Aston Villa agonisingly missed out on Champions League qualification on the final day, but in almost a third of simulations they do force their way into a top-four spot this time around.
Newcastle's focus may be on trying to keep star striker Alexander Isak, but currently the Supercomputer predicts the Magpies to finish sixth most often, and a top-four finish in 29.9% of simulations.
Meanwhile, after Crystal Palace's strong end to last season brought a first major trophy, the Eagles are given more than a one-in-five chance of a top-four finish. They manage that achievement in 21.6% of sims, ahead of rivals Brighton (16.8%).
In their second season under Fabian Hurzeler, Brighton are predicted an eight-placed finish in the majority of sims.
The Supercomputer ranks Bournemouth (10.1%) and Nottingham Forest (8.9%) as outside shouts for European football this season.
Perhaps surprisingly, Brentford are predicted to have a strong season despite losing Thomas Frank and key players Bryan Mbuemo and Christian Norgaard - with Yoanne Wissa also looking likely to exit.
If as many as seven or eight Premier League clubs can qualify for Europe next season, the door could be open for a surprise team to sneak in.
Forest and Fiorentina play out pre-season stalematepublished at 07:27 6 August
07:27 6 August
Image source, Getty Images
Nottingham Forest continued their pre-season preparations with a goalless draw against Serie A side Fiorentina at the City Ground on Wednesday evening.
Both sides enjoyed moments of promise, with Forest going close through summer signing Dan Ndoye, whose low effort was saved well by David de Gea after a smart pass from Neco Williams.
At the other end, Matz Sels was sharp to deny a close-range chance before keeping out Moise Kean late in the half. Fiorentina right-back Dodo clipped the crossbar with his follow-up.
In a quiet second half, both sides rotated their squads to get minutes into players before the new season.
Forest's final friendly is on Saturday when Saudi Pro League side Al-Qadsiah visit the City Ground (17:30 BST).
Gossip: Forest seek to complete Luiz dealpublished at 07:19 6 August
07:19 6 August
Nottingham Forest will hold talks with the agent of Juventus and Brazil midfielder Douglas Luiz as they attempt to complete a deal for the 27-year-old. (Football Italia), external
Forest confirm new front-of-shirt sponsorpublished at 18:33 5 August
18:33 5 August
Image source, Getty Images
Nottingham Forest have announced Bally's Corporation, an American gambling, betting and interactive entertainment company, as the new front-of-shirt sponsor for the 2025-26 season.
It comes despite Premier League clubs collectively agreeing in 2023 to withdraw gambling sponsorship from the front of their matchday shirts by the end of the 2025-26 season.
Clubs have been allowed to secure new shirt-front deals before the deadline and will still be able to continue featuring gambling brands in areas such as shirt sleeves and LED advertising afterwards.
Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis said: "We are on a special journey - we are determined to keep achieving incredible things and strengthening our global partnerships is an important part of this.
"As our club continues to thrive both on and off the pitch, we're looking forward to working with Bally's on a number of exciting initiatives, helping us to engage with our growing fanbase within Nottinghamshire and around the world."
Home shirts with the new sponsor will be worn for the first time in Tuesday's friendly against Serie A side Fiorentina at the City Ground.
In the 2024-25 campaign, 11 top-flight teams had a gambling sponsor on the front of their shirts, an increase of three from the previous campaign.
The ban from next season follows a consultation between the league, its clubs and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) as part of the government's ongoing review of current gambling legislation.
Forest 'part of my window to the outside world ' - fan storiespublished at 16:01 5 August
16:01 5 August
This week, we are asking you to share your stories and photos about why you fell in love with Forest.
Here is a selection of your submissions:
Image caption,
George: From my first game, a 2-0 win v Blackpool on 10 April 1965, to seeing them lift the European Cup twice in Munich and Madrid. In more than 60 years as a supporter, I've experienced some incredible highs and some depressing lows. It's been one hell of a ride.
Guru: When I was a lad growing up in Kenya in the 1950s, our window to the outside world was BBC World Service. On Saturdays, I used to be mesmerised listening to the football scores. One team always stuck in my mind - Nottingham Forest. In my mind, it had associations with Robin Hood.
Back then, I was not to know that eventually I would come to live within 17 miles of City Ground. One of the first things I did was get a season ticket, which I then had all through the glory years. How I wish I still had it!
Image caption,
David: For me, it was the play-off final against Huddersfield. Policemen greeting us off the train at Wembley told us they hoped we would win. The referee seemed to have the same idea. It felt as if we were going to win whatever happened on the pitch, as though it was written beforehand. Nothing could change destiny. The Huddersfield fans seemed to know it too.
Football provides 'connections' in 'increasingly lonely' worldpublished at 11:49 5 August
11:49 5 August
Nicola Pearson BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty Images
'Why did you fall in love with your club?'
This week, we have asked hundreds of football fans across the world that very question and got hundreds of different answers.
Yes, the themes might be similar - born near a ground; family supported the team; watched a certain player - but the individual story will be unique to each supporter.
The relationship between a fan and their club should not be underestimated, with people ploughing uncountable amounts of money, time and emotional energy into their support for their team.
But what is that makes us love our clubs the way we do?
"A lot of it comes down to our identity," researcher and co-writer of the Routledge Handbook of Sport Fans and Fandom Danielle Sarver Coombs told BBC Sport.
"We become part of this group that means so much to us. It becomes a way to find a community that you're a part of and to find a group of people that, no matter where you are, you could find a pub with other fans of your team. You have that kinship.
"In a world that's increasingly quite lonely, this provides one of the ways that we can have connections so we can have the feeling that we're part of something bigger."
Connection and identity plays a big role in someone's love for their club - particularly when it is a family link.
Many fans talk of being born into who they support - that the connection is so strong there was no other team they could, or would, have chosen.
"The great thing with football is that there's such a strong heritage component to it," Sarver Coombs said. "Often, your grandfather, father, mother or whomever was a fan of the team, so it's part of your family's tradition.
"It's handed down from generation to generation."
The uniqueness of football fandom is something researchers are increasingly investigating.
An article, external published earlier this year in psychology journal Frontiers discusses how football fans often follow follow teams with 'significant attachment and commitment, sometimes to the bewilderment of those outside of the game'.
"With football clubs, you have decades of tradition that you can tap into and it's going to keep coming," Sarver Coombs added.
"Players come and go, managers come and go, shirts change, badges change, but the club itself - the heart and soul of it remains constant. You always have that piece that you're tied to, so the longevity of clubs is a really important part.
"But also, that constant in-person opportunity to be present in a community space really sets football apart from other passions that may be transient or do not have that constant engagement."
Nottingham Forest 'became entangled in my identity' - fan storiespublished at 12:03 4 August
12:03 4 August
We know the relationship between a football fan and their club is a special one so, as we gear up for the new season, we asked you to share why you fell in love with Nottingham Forest and some of your favourite moments supporting them.
Here are some of your submissions:
Edward: The origins are lost in the mists of time, but as a seven or eight-year-old I was looking for a club to follow. I didn't want to follow the same clubs as my friends did.
So I chose Nottingham Forest. Was I attracted by the name? Probably. Did I know they were European champions? Possibly. Did I watch John Robertson score in Madrid? Definitely. By then, I was hooked.
It has largely been thin gruel, but that only makes the high points even higher. Being a Forest fan became entangled in my identity. I didn't meet another Forest fan for over a decade and nobody in my family or social circle knew another one. As Nick Hornby described his Arsenal fandom in Fever Pitch, I was the embodiment of Nottingham Forest for anyone who had a passing interest in football during the turbulent 1980s.
The advent of an Irish supporters' club, a few bob in my hand and a gang to cross the Irish Sea with meant I could travel to my East Midlands home. The concept of a place where there would be tens of thousands of Forest fans had never really hit me so I had full sensory overload on my first visit to the City Ground. Every visit since has given me a buzz.
I know nothing else and I know no better. I will carry Nottingham Forest with me to the grave.
Image caption,
David: A lifelong love started with being taken aged six by the Forest badge on an Anglo-Scottish Cup programme in 1976. I've been through the highs of promotion, European Cup glory, relative decline, a late 1980s renaissance before the bitter pill of relegation. A slow inexorable decline was only briefly enlivened by the occasional flicker of the flame by the likes of Lewis McGugan, Andy Reid and Britt Assombalonga. Then, from the ashes we rose again, thanks to Steve Cooper and a band of loanees, climbing back into the big time after 23 years. To experience that with my son was the icing on the cake.
Alexander: As a seven-year-old in1940, I was taken to watch my first soccer match at the City Ground - a wartime friendly. The result was Forest 2-4 Lincoln City. The following Saturday, I was taken to Meadow Lane and this result was Notts County 1-5 Grimsby Town. Even then, my arithmetic was good enough to decide Forest were the better of two lovers. Never once in the ensuing 85 years have I regretted that decision.
'Very concerned' or 'get a grip' - fans on Forest's pre-seasonpublished at 08:16 4 August
08:16 4 August
Image source, Getty Images
We asked for your views on the upcoming season after a run of no wins in five pre-season friendly fixtures.
Here are some of your comments:
Peter: I honestly can't believe all this hysteria about pre-season. Get a grip everyone, this is all about minutes in the legs and trying different things out. Gee whizz.
Ian: I'm worried. Losing runs are hard to stop. It began towards end of last season. I was hoping pre-season would reset that run but it hasn't. I know Nuno has to experiment, but the two remaining home games must show a marked improvement or we'll have little confidence to start the season.
Andrew: Man-management is Forest's secret weapon. We can get too hung up on the departure of key personnel like Anthony Elanga, Brennan Johnson and, of course, Steve Cooper. Our success again this season will stem from Marinakis' handling of Nuno and his close connection to the players, and how well the club quickly integrates new signings.
Paddy: We need to speed up the recruitment of quality players in key areas. We don't have enough goal threat and just two decent full-backs. Not panicking just yet, but definitely concerned.
Robin: Very, very concerned. Not only the fact that the rest of the Premier League have worked out how to play against us, but the midweek away games in the far flung ends of Europe will be a killer. Plus the fact that we now have another team who hates us and are bound to get six points off us - Crystal Palace.
Ian: One goal in five pre-season friendlies hardly fills supporters with confidence ahead of the new season. The lack of goals is a worry but so is the lack of chances being created. People will say they are only friendlies and that Nuno has played a lot of reserve and fringe players in these games - but it doesn't bode well for the future.
John: Not feeling confident about this season. OK, we've held onto Gibbs-White for now and replaced Elanga. But we've added two cheap Botafogo players and shipped a lot more out. The squad is already a lot smaller than last year. I think we'll not get far in Europe and see us in the bottom quarter of the Premier League this year.
"When he left [I said] there really is no substitution for pace, especially when he's got end product with it, but Dan Ndoye has bags and bags of pace as well so it does seem to be a direct replacement.
"[I'm] excited to see him, a big signing for Forest and one they were desperate to get over the line and I don't think it will be the last, I think they'll be busy between now and the end of the transfer window.
"But obviously it's a big, big fee for Forest and I think I'm right in saying that this is the highest initial payment that Forest have paid for a player, and that is a big thing for him to have to handle at 24 years of age. But this is a marquee signing.
"Clearly you look at this pace they've brought in and that still gives them a massive option in terms of hitting teams on the counter attack but it's been interesting in pre-season because you've seen Nuno tinkering with playing styles and formations.
"We're just going to have to see because you can never read too much into pre-season."
Can new boy Ndoye fill Elanga's shoes?published at 12:55 1 August
12:55 1 August
Tom McCoy BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty Images
Just a few days after tying key man Morgan Gibbs-White down to a new contract, Nottingham Forest have concluded another important piece of business, bringing in Switzerland international Dan Ndoye.
The Reds needed a new winger, to replace Anthony Elanga, but can Ndoye replicate the Sweden international's success at the City Ground?
Both players operate everywhere across the forward line. Elanga made 57% of his Premier League appearances for Forest on the right, but he played almost 25% of his games on the left and also had some success playing up front.
As for Ndoye, his Serie A experience has been almost equally split between the left (41%) and right wings (40%), with occasional outings at wing-back. He further underlined his versatility by starting in four different roles in five games at Euro 2024, playing at right wing, centre-forward, left wing and right wing-back.
Both players are rapid and use their athleticism to drive play upfield. Elanga registered a top speed of 36.7 km/h last season, the third fastest in the Premier League, while Ndoye was the eighth quickest player at Euro 2024.
Interestingly, Elanga only ranked 50th for the number of dribbles attempted last season, partly reflecting Forest's counter-attacking style, but when the Reds did get him on the ball he was devastatingly effective.
Ndoye looks well placed to step into that role. He recorded 125 'long progressive carries', defined as forward dribbles that total 10m or more, according to Opta. That was the second highest total by a winger or attacking midfielder in Serie A last season.
Elanga stands out in terms of creativity though, registering 21 Premier League assists over the past two seasons, equivalent to one every 258 minutes. Ndoye has just eight assists over the same period, one every 626 minutes.
Yet while the pair offer goal threat, they are not yet prolific. Elanga has netted 11 times in 82 league appearances for Forest, while Ndoye scored 11 goals in 76 games for Bologna.
The Nyon-born player is not the finished article, but if he can add a little more end product to his game then he could prove a more than adequate replacement for Elanga.
'Loved and wanted' - what made Gibbs-White stay?published at 09:44 1 August
09:44 1 August
Image source, Getty Images
BBC Radio Nottingham's Colin Fray gave his verdict on Morgan Gibbs-White's new contract after a failed approach by Tottenham:
"It's a huge boost. I was as surprised as anybody - I thought he was probably on the way out but you can hear what it means to supporters. I was at Chesterfield for the friendly against Monaco and saw the reception he got.
"So it was a surprise but a pleasant surprise because he is a key part of what Forest do.
"When he is missing, yes others can fill in but on a regular basis you feel you miss his quality and ability to make something happen.
"I know some fans get frustrated sometimes as when he is trying to make something happen a ball can go astray. But quite often, something does happen.
"Having lost Elanga already, the idea of losing both was filling Forest fans with some dread. To try to replace him would have been a difficult ask I think because of what he gives you on the pitch. To turn it around to sign a new contract is a big, big coup."
"I think it helps a player when the owner sits down with you on a one-to-one level and explains how important a part you are. A big pay rise is going to help.
"It probably comes down to a combination of being loved and wanted, of being told Forest will build around him and that this is a place where he can have a massive season, with a World Cup coming up. He needs a good season, to be playing and impressing on a regular basis."
Send your pictures and stories of why you love Forestpublished at 16:55 31 July
16:55 31 July
Image source, Curtis
On Monday, we asked you to tell us why you fell in love with Forest and some of your favourite moments supporting them.
You have already been getting in touch with your photos and stories and here is just a taste from Curtis:
"Walking from the city centre to the City Ground is a walk to the stadium like few others. The bridge along London Road over the River Trent, the four independent stands pop out, along with a sea of red and white.
"My first game was against Chesterfield, aged 11 in September 2006. I won the ticket through a summer football camp organised by the club that August. Neil Harris scored that day and we went on to win 4-0.
"I held a season ticket for 12 years, in which time we rose from League One into the Championship, in and out of relegation battles and play-off pushes, ultimately leading to us getting promoted to the top flight at Wembley in 2022. I still remember being sat up in the gods, that feeling at the final whistle, the rumble in my chest... Nobody will ever be able to take that away from me.
"I still go to regular home games with the top membership, despite relocating to south Yorkshire, but I often make reference to three of my dreams coming true in the space of three years - two of which happened simultaneously; seeing Forest play at Wembley, seeing Forest promoted to the Premier League and seeing Forest in a European competition.
"Time to grab the passport. Here's to the next chapter of the club I'll adore until my very last day."
Join the conversation and send your best photo about why you love Forest.
Your first visit to the stadium? A special kit? An amazing away trip?
🎧 Ndoye signs for Forestpublished at 16:53 31 July
16:53 31 July
The latest episode of BBC Radio Nottingham's Shut Up And Show More Football podcast has landed.
On the agenda this week, David Jackson and Colin Fray discuss the arrival of forward Dan Ndoye from Serie A side Bologna and the significance of Morgan Gibbs-White's new contract at the City Ground.
Wissa still in exile with Brentford back in Londonpublished at 15:26 31 July
15:26 31 July
Nizaar Kinsella BBC Sport football news reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Brentford striker Yoane Wissa continues to train away from the first team amid uncertainty over his future and interest from multiple rival clubs.
The 28-year-old arrived at training on time before meeting manager Keith Andrews and sporting director Phil Giles to indicate his preference to continue training alone.
Wissa has previously threatened he will never play for Brentford again in past talks with Giles amid reports a £25m bid from Newcastle was rejected last week.
Tottenham and Nottingham Forest are also believed to be interested in the Congo international.
Andrews is preparing his team to face QPR on Saturday which will also be the first time he speaks about the situation publicly.
New signing Dan Ndoye 'knew straight away' he wanted Forestpublished at 13:29 31 July
13:29 31 July
Image source, Getty Images
Nottingham Forest have confirmed the signing of versatile forward Dan Ndoye from Bologna.
The 24-year-old Switzerland international has agreed a five-year deal at the City Ground, having last season scored the Coppa Italia final goal that won Bologna's first major trophy for more than 50 years.
Ndoye made his international debut for Switzerland in 2022 and has gone on to earn 22 caps for his country.
"It is a really exciting time at Forest and I knew straight away that I wanted to be a part of the project," Ndoye said.
"It's a really ambitious team with a fantastic history and I can't wait to get started."
The club's chief football officer, Ross Wilson, added: "Dan is an exciting new addition to our squad and a player we have tracked extensively over a long period of time.
"We are delighted that he joins Nottingham Forest and continues his own ambitious journey here with us."
'A proper pre-season game in honour of Trevor's memory' - Clarkpublished at 12:02 31 July
12:02 31 July
Image source, Getty Images
Former Birmingham City and Nottingham Forest forward Trevor Francis will be honoured in a pre-season friendly between the two clubs on Saturday.
Francis made his debut for Birmingham as a 16-year-old and became British football's first £1m player when he left Blues to join Forest in 1979.
A few weeks later, Francis scored the winning goal as Forest won the first of their two successive European Cups.
Francis died in 2023, aged 69. Before Saturday's match, a statue of Francis will be unveiled outside the Championship club's stadium.
Frank Clark, who played alongside Francis in Forest's 1979 final victory in Munich, told BBC East Midlands Today: "He was a terrific player and a really good bloke. He was Britain's £1m player but there was never any big-headedness about that. He just came into the club and was very quickly accepted as one of the lads.
"The manager [Brian Clough] made him make the tea for everybody on his first day after training, just to keep his feet on the ground."
Clark added: "We think [having the friendly] is important because since he died, we've always wondered why there had been no ceremony or function to pay tribute to him.
"This is the perfect example of the two clubs getting together. It'll be a proper pre-season game in honour of Trevor's memory."
'He was so humble and a lovely person' - Birtles on Francispublished at 12:02 31 July
12:02 31 July
Image source, Getty Images
Garry Birtles played alongside Francis at Nottigham Forest and told BBC East Midlands Today: "One of the most unassuming people you could ever meet, considering what he was.
"You would think the first £1m player [in Britain] would have a chip on the shoulder and be going 'look at me', but there was not a trace of that at all. He was so humble and a lovely person.
"He was incredible, he had pace to burn and his movement was excellent. He integrated well with the rest of the team. He wasn't this greedy striker, he played his part as a team player.
"He was just a joy to be with and he was just normal. Nowadays you see players and you're not allowed to go near them, but Trevor was not like that at all. We were part of the football club and Nottingham itself. We mingled with the fans and enjoyed doing that.
"He came to the majority of the reunions we used to have and it was always great to see him."
Image source, Getty Images
