Nottingham Forest

Nuno Espirito Santo spoke to BBC Match of the Day after Nottingham Forest's draw against Crystal Palace: "I think we played good against a very tough team, who are well drilled, well organised. Give no spaces and are aggressive. But we showed character and we played good.

"In the final moments of the game we had two good chances to score. Overall, we created a lot to situations - dominated, control possession and find the gaps. It is always very difficult to defend against Palace and keep the balance. Sarr, Mateta up front, very good players."

On integrating new players: "We are working on that. They arrived not long ago. They can know better when they start competing, not just training because the stress of playing games is part of it. It is our job to get the best out of them."

On his future: "I am a person that thinks a lot before saying anything. I say because I believe that things can improve but now is a moment to ignore the noise and focus on what I have to do. My job is clear.

"Of course, there will be resolution. Everything is going to be OK, for sure. It is the moment to sit down and talk. More important is how we play football and I think we are improving, trying to adjust some things and that is where my focus is.

"We still need three players. One goalkeeper to give us another option, one to make us feel safe. Then two full-backs because Ola [Aina] and Neco [Williams] are playing all the games. We are always considering if something happens, what options do we have?

"Those are our main concerns so hopefully this week we can complete the squad and move forward."

Did you know?

Nottingham Forest remain unbeaten against Crystal Palace in the Premier League, both overall (P11 W4 D7) and at Selhurst Park (P6 W1 D5). Only against Southampton have they played more Premier League games away from home without losing (7).

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on Crystal Palace's performance

What did you make of Nottingham Forest's display?

Come back to this page on Monday to find a selection of your replies

The welcome news for Crystal Palace fans is that captain Marc Guehi starts today, amid speculation about his future at the club.

There are two changes to the side which started the win over Fredrikstad on Thursday - Chris Richards and Tyrick Mitchell come into the side.

And the lack of depth is illustrated by the presence of two goalkeepers, Remi Matthews and Walter Benitez, on the bench.

Crystal Palace XI: Henderson; Lacroix, Guehi, Richards; Munoz, Wharton, Hughes, Mitchell; Sarr, Devenny; Mateta

Subs: Matthews, Benitez, Lerma, Clyne, Esse, Edouard, Sosa, Rodney, Cardines

Nottingham Forest are unchanged from the XI that started their 3-1 win over Brentford last Sunday.

The three players signed by the club in the meantime - Douglas Luiz, Omari Hutchinson and James McAtee - are all on the bench.

Chris Wood has scored 33 Premier League goals in 53 appearances under Nuno Espirito Santo - can he add more today in what might be the manager's last match in charge?

Nottingham Forest XI: Sels; Aina, Milenkovic, Murillo, Williams; Sangare, Anderson; Ndoye, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi; Wood

Subs: Gunn, Morato, Douglas Luiz, Kalimuendo, Igor Jesus, Hutchinson, Yates, McAtee, Boly

There are three games in the Premier League on Saturday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Crystal Palace v Nottingham Forest (14:00) - BBC Radio 5 Live

• Everton v Brighton (14:00) - BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

• Fulham v Man Utd (16:30) - BBC Radio 5 Live

Kick-off times BST

Follow the 14:00 games here

And get Fulham v Man Utd here

Watching Palace last week against Chelsea, I thought they deserved to win the game. I love the way they play - the back three are phenomenal and they're a really good team.

The problem for Palace is that their squad is so thin without their stars. How do you replace a player like Eberechi Eze, for example?

Losing Eze and Marc Guehi is a massive part of the team gone. It'll leave a huge hole and completely changes how I'll be predicting them this season.

As for this game, I reckon it'll be another close one. Nottingham Forest also had a great result in their opener.

Sutton's prediction: 1-1

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Tom White
BBC Sport journalist

After a fierce off-pitch battle for European football dominated the summer for both Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest, on-pitch matters can finally take centre stage on Sunday as the two meet at Selhurst Park.

Palace's famous FA Cup final victory over Manchester City in May, the first major trophy in the club's history, was supposed to be followed by a debut Europa League campaign. However, they were demoted to the Conference League for breaching multi-club ownership rules, opening the door for Forest to replace them in the competition.

That means Oliver Glasner's side have the added complication of a two-leg play-off against Norwegian side Fredrikstad to contend with. They won the home leg 1-0 on Thursday, thanks to Jean-Philippe Mateta's first European goal.

Glasner voiced his concerns over the club's transfer business after the game, suggesting that he might need to fill in if Liverpool target Marc Guehi departs before next week's second leg: "If Marc leaves, I will try my boots because I was a centre-back, and this could be a good option."

The Austrian coach also all but confirmed Eberechi Eze's departure from the club, adding: "Ebs will not play for us any more so it does not make sense to talk about him. It's gone."

Forest, in contrast, held on to their star man earlier this summer when Morgan Gibbs-White penned a new deal with the club despite strong interest from Tottenham Hotspur.

The England international underlined his importance to Nuno Espirito Santo's side last weekend with a standout performance in their 3-1 home victory over Brentford. He registered his 27th Premier League assist for Forest, equalling the club record set by Ian Woan in the 1990s.

The Reds may hand debuts to new signings Omari Hutchinson, Arnaud Kalimuendo, Douglas Luiz and James McAtee, although none of the forward players are likely to dislodge Chris Wood from the starting line-up.

The New Zealand striker, who found the net with his first shot of a league campaign for a third year in a row last weekend, has now scored 30 non-penalty goals since Nuno's first game in December 2023, equalling Erling Haaland over the same time period, with no other player scoring more.

However, there is a cloud over the fixture for Forest after the developments on Friday, with Nuno's future as manager uncertain after a breakdown in his relationship with owner Evangelos Marinakis.

At his pre-match news conference, NUno said "where there's smoke, there's fire" amid rumours about his job.

The internal tensions are believed to centre around disagreements over the Reds' transfer business, with Edu having taken control of recruitment following his appointment as the club's global head of football earlier this summer.

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your views on the news surrounding Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis and manager Nuno Espirito Santo, with the latter's future at the club now uncertain.

Here are some of your comments:

Peter: I know our owner is erratic, but this is difficult to fathom. I just hope they can get over this, as it would be a disaster at this stage of the season when everything looked so hopeful.

Dave: Whatever internal dispute is going on, it shouldn't be aired in public like this. It would be a mistake to get rid of Nuno, and it seems like terrible timing. Both men need to sit down and settle this. No-one is bigger than the club, not even Marinakis.

Stuart: When are the money men going to forget their personal ego and let the professionals do their job?

Gavin: This shows everything about who Maranakis is. The manager who got Forest back into the Premier League - fired with barely a thank you. Now, Nuno, who produced the best season this club has had in nearly 30 years, is being sidelined because apparently the owner cannot sustain a relationship with another person. It's a disgrace.

Andrew: Why do clubs that are successful press the self-destruct button?

Listen to the thoughts of BBC Radio Nottingham's Colin Fray on BBC Sounds

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Pat Riddell
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

When Nuno Espirito Santo told Sky Sports last week that "we have a major problem", it was assumed he was just taking the heat off the Nottingham Forest squad before Sunday's Premier League opener against Brentford.

The delay from Uefa in confirming the Reds' Europa League status was always going to impact the number and calibre of signings that would arrive at the City Ground, and the Morgan Gibbs-White saga certainly didn't help in that respect.

But his comments appeared to just be a reality check in case Forest didn't hit the ground running in the first few games of the season. Friday's news conference sheds new light on his relationship with the owner, Evangelos Marinakis - a relationship that sounds broken, possibly beyond repair.

We have been here before. Many times, to be honest, but most recently with Steve Cooper. Rumours of a sacking circulated before he signed a new contract in October 2022, just days after a 4-0 defeat by Leicester City. And there were more rumours towards the end of the 2022-23 season. The end, of course, didn't come until December that year.

The fans' reaction is going to be one of overwhelming shock and disappointment. While Cooper did the impossible and finally got us promoted, Nuno went one better and got us to the brink of the Champions League.

And while it has only been one game, there was evidence against Brentford that Forest could dominate possession and take control of games - something we rarely saw last season.

This campaign was shaping up to be particularly exciting, with the club's first European adventure in 30 years and the strongest squad we have seen at the City Ground in a lifetime.

Marinakis has the ambition, but it is Nuno who has taken the club to heights we all dreamed of.

Forest have always performed best when there has been trust, stability and togetherness at the club. This could throw everything into chaos.

Find more from Pat Riddell at The Famous Club, external

Image source, Getty Images

Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espirito says his relationship with owner Evangelos Marinakis "had changed" but "nothing has been said" to him about his future.

The 51-year-old's future at the club has become uncertain, with sources telling BBC Sport his position is not completely safe despite last season's achievement of qualifying for Europe, and their opening weekend win over Brentford.

Speaking to BBC Radio Nottingham, Nuno said: "[The relationship] has changed. What was really close - almost on a daily basis - unfortunately this season, after some things, is not the same."

The uncertainty, according to sources, has now stretched to the playing squad, who are said to be aware of the situation.

When asked about reports online that his position at the club could be at risk, the former Wolves and Tottenham boss responded: "I didn't [hear] anything except from the press. Nothing has been said to me.

"I'm just addressing [it] because we are talking and this is public and, when something is public, I think we should talk about it. How [do] I feel about that? I feel sorry. I think about the players because today they also were aware of things in the morning and I can see in their faces.

"But I react as I think I should, as I always did in my life facing things, and do the best thing that I can until the last moment. Because, one of the things that, no matter where I went and I was working is - if something happens, and the day that I leave I look back and, are the players better now than when I arrived? I think honestly, this is the case."

Questions had been asked about the situation at Forest last week when Nuno raised concerns over the transfer business of the club before the start of the season.

"I woke up at nine o'clock and I was surprised also," Nuno said when asked about fans' feelings on Friday.

"What can I say to the fans? I appreciate the respect, the feelings that they have towards me.

"I just have to thank them. Since the day that I joined, the fans have been, for us as coaching staff, so helpful. Through tough times that we faced during the first season, then we went to a nice ride on the second one - so I love [the fans]."

Listen to the full interview on BBC Sounds

Sami Mokbel
Senior football correspondent

Image source, Getty Images

Nuno Espirito Santo's future as Nottingham Forest manager is uncertain after a breakdown in his relationship with owner Evangelos Marinakis.

Sources have told BBC Sport that Nuno's position is not completely safe despite last season's achievement of qualifying for Europe and their opening-day win over Brentford on Sunday.

The uncertainty, according to sources, has now stretched to the playing squad, who are said to be aware of the situation.

Forest fans, send us your thoughts on the news

Alex Fletcher
BBC Sport journalist

Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park (14:00 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Nuno said the club is "assessing" all of the new arrivals and that this would happen at "different paces".

• On Evangelos Marinakis: "I always had a very good relationship with the owner, last season we were very close and spoke on a daily basis. This season it is not so well [between us] but I always believe that dialogue is important because my concern is the squad and the season we have ahead of us."

• Nuno added: "Our relationship has changed and we are not as close."

• The Forest boss said he "didn't know why it had changed" but said "everyone should be together" and that is "not the reality".

• Nuno added that there are "different opinions at the club" but he is "unsure if the relationship can continue".

• On transfer activity: "The squad is nearer but it is not complete yet. We need another option for the goalkeeper and in the full backs we need more as well."

• On Crystal Palace: "What happened [to Palace in Europe] it is not right to blame us but I expect a tough atmosphere on Sunday. The team has to be brave and focus on the game against a tough opponent."

Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

Image source, Getty Images

The team on BBC Radio Nottingham's Shut Up and Show More Football podcast have been debating the level of spending by Nottingham Forest this summer.

Midfielder Douglas Luiz is the latest recruit - a loan deal with an obligation to buy - at the City Ground.

Presenter David Jackson believes Forest haven't spent that much money this summer when factoring in net spend, as the sales of players have brought in almost £110m, while commentator Colin Fray pointed to Forest having greater income thanks to their league finish and European qualification.

Forest have generated over £100m in sales this transfer window after the departures of the likes of Anthony Elanga, Ramon Sosa, Danilo and others.

"In terms of numbers, they are no greater than last year," Jackson said. "But in terms of players who may actually play in that first team, that is a little bit different. But until last week, they had spent about £120m and brought in £110m, so not massively overspent. They may well get to that point by the end of the window, but at the moment, they haven't. At the moment, you can't say Forest have been spending wildly."

Fray replied: "No, you can't at all. I do feel there is a bit of a narrative around Forest that has spread nationally. In a way, it annoys me because it is just a narrative; it is disingenuous in the way it is perceived. I think another thing to bear in mind regarding Forest is that the prize money they got last year from the Premier League was about £150m. They are in the Europa League now as well, they have got significant money coming in so on PSR, they have got significant money that they can spend and now they are spending it."

Listen on BBC Sounds

Image source, Getty Images

Nottingham Forest's latest signing Douglas Luiz says he has chosen to return to the Premier League with Forest because he could "see the ambition the club has".

The 27-year-old Brazil midfielder has joined Forest on a season-long loan with a conditional obligation to make the deal permanent next summer.

Luiz left Aston Villa a year ago to join the Serie A side having made made 204 appearances in all competitions for the Midlands club.

"I am so excited to start with the team and give my best for the shirt and the fans," said Luiz.

Chief football officer, Ross Wilson added: "It's been a very busy but successful period for us in the window in the past few weeks, and Douglas is another addition to the squad that will bring significant quality to the group.

"He's played at the highest level for a long time, understands the demands of the Premier League, and has experience playing in elite European competition."

Image source, Getty Images

Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo has pushed back against the narrative surrounding the club's promotion to the Europa League, insisting the criticism is misplaced.

Speaking to BBC Radio Nottingham, Nuno expressed his sympathy for Crystal Palace's fans, players and coaching staff, but was clear that Forest should not be portrayed as the villains in the situation.

Following a Court of Arbitration for Sport ruling, Forest were promoted to the Europa League for this season, while Palace were relegated to the Conference League.

"I am aware and I have been looking at that and the narrative that has been built is not the truth - we are not to blame," said Nuno. "We did a very good season that allowed us and opened the door to Europe for us, no matter which competition it is we deservedly are there because we did it on the pitch and we achieved it but after that. It is not us to be blamed.

"We are very sympathetic for the fans of Palace, extreme sympathy for their players and for their coaching staff, especially Oliver Glasner. But please, don't put Forest as the bad guys because we are not."

Listen on BBC Sounds

David Jackson and Colin Fray return with a new episode, diving into three major talking points for Nottingham Forest supporters.

Chris Wood and Matz Sels were named in the PFA Team of the Year. There's also an in-depth look at the club's latest signings and what qualities they bring, and where they will fit in Nuno Espirito Santos' plans.

Finally, they tackle the growing tension between Forest and Crystal Palace fans after the former was promoted to the Europa League.

Shut Up And Show More Football

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Nottingham Forest are in talks to sign Sevilla's 23-year-old Spanish right-back Jose Angel Carmona. (Sky Sports), external

Forest are also exploring the possibility of reuniting with 28-year-old Poland and Aston Villa defender Matty Cash. (Athletic - subscription required), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Brazil midfielder Douglas Luiz, 27, is set to join Nottingham Forest from Juventus after Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis brokered a deal with the Turin club's general manager Damien Comolli. (Tuttosport - in Italian, external)

Meanwhile Forest have joined Everton in the hunt for Norwich right-back Kellen Fisher, 21. (Pete O'Rourke, external)

Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Ellie Molloson
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

Last season, Chris Wood had the best campaign of his career, scoring 20 goals and providing two assists in the Premier League.

Only Alexander Isak, Erling Haaland, and Mohamed Salah scored more.

In fact, by May 15, 2025, Wood was officially the most clinical striker in Europe's top five leagues with a conversion rate of 31.7%.

​At 33, many fans had written him off as a one-season wonder. But within just five minutes of the opening Premier League game, Wood reminded us why he's one of Europe's best strikers, jabbing the ball into the net with an unwavering sense of calm.

He wasn't done yet - he scored again at 45+3 minutes. Anderson won possession and Wood knew exactly what to do. Wood made a well-timed run and a brilliant ball by Anderson put Wood one-on-one with Kelleher, and nonchalantly slotted it home.

It was a perfect half for Forest and an even more perfect performance from Wood: two shots, two goals.

​The New Zealand international has become emblematic of Forest's unexpected success - a traditional striker thriving in a world of "total football".

Under Nuno Espirito Santo, every player knows their role and every player knows they can rely on Wood to find the back of the net.

So, do we have a world-class player on our hands?

Find more from Ellie Molloson at Garibaldi Girls, external

We asked for your views on Nottingham Forest's recent additions to the squad, especially striker Arnaud Kalimuendo and the transfer window as a whole.

Here are some of your comments:

Dave: Brilliant signings which not only shows Forests ambition but underlines their intent to fill the squad with the best young talent around.

Tom: This is a great signing to round off the past couple of days. Obviously, still have faith in Chris Wood, but this could be a great person to have alongside him. These last three signings feel very much like good investments for the future, which makes me happier than ever to call myself a Forest fan.

Gary: Good squad now. Awoniyi and Dennis to move on and will balance transfers in and out this summer.

Trevor: If the last three signings slot well into the Forest team I watched yesterday, I think we are looking at a very bright future.

David: A great talent and a massive coup for the club. The vision and passion being shown by the board just shows how important Forest will be in Europe and the Premier League - we are not a one-season wonder.