Nottinghamshire

Brentford will attempt to earn their third win of the season, against a Nottingham Forest side who go into the weekend in the bottom three in the table.

BBC Sport examines some of the key themes ahead of Saturday's meeting at Gtech Community Stadium (15:00 GMT).

In last weekend's draw against Hull City, Brentford conceded first for the first time in all competitions this season. It happened again against Sunderland in the EFL Cup in midweek, where they let in three goals in a 13-minute first-half spell.

Although ultimately fruitless, the Bees did at least fight back with two goals, one of which came in injury time from Igor Thiago, who will be hoping that can spark some league form.

The Brazil international scored 22 league goals in 2025-26, but he's managed just one in eight games so far this season despite an expected goals total of 3.79.

Luckily for him, his team-mates have been finding the net, with Brentford the only side other than leaders Manchester City to have scored in all eight of their Premier League games so far this season.

Jaidon Anthony has only contributed one but does have a good record against Nottingham Forest, scoring three goals in four Premier League appearances against them for Bournemouth and Burnley.

Two of those games ended in draws, which is something Brentford are making a habit of, having drawn five of their eight league matches this season.

At first glance, Nottingham Forest are in a similar position to last season. After eight games they have one more point (six to five in 2025-26) in 18th.

It was at this stage last season that Forest sacked their manager for the second time in the campaign, so current boss Oliver Glasner must be feeling a bit nervous.

But Glasner also had a slow start at former club Crystal Palace. He didn't win any of his opening six games in charge and the Eagles also didn't win any of their first eight in his first full season.

And while the results are similar to last season, the performances are more encouraging. As the Austrian has pointed out, Forest are creating opportunities. They are third in the Premier League for shots taken (137) and fifth for big chances created (19).

His side are sixth in the expected goals table (13.49) but joint-bottom when it comes to real goals (6). That xG underperformance comes out at -7.49, the biggest shortfall in the Premier League by some margin – a gap that was increased in the 1-1 draw against Ipswich last time out, when Forest had 17 shots and an xG of 2.29.

Glasner believes it's only a matter of time before the chances turn into goals, but Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis is notoriously impatient where results are concerned, as four managers last season can confirm.

Nottingham Forest should have beaten Ipswich last time out but that draw was another example of a game where they haven't taken their chances.

I do think things will turn for Oliver Glasner's side eventually but they are in the bottom three and he is desperate for a win.

I thought Brentford would beat Hull last week but they ended up sharing the points. The Bees do draw a lot of games and that is probably the most sensible prediction here.

Sutton's prediction: 1-1

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Image source, Getty Images

Nottingham Forest head coach Oliver Glasner says it was "a great moment" to have defender Nicolo Savona back in team training at the City Ground this week, following a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

The 23-year-old has been out of action since January after sustaining a serious knee injury which then required surgery in March.

"It was a great moment for him and for the team," Glasner told BBC Radio Nottingham. "It is great to have him back after seven months and have him join the first part of team training.

"There is still a long way to go to get used to the Premier League but, for now, the best thing is there was no reaction afterwards in his knee. That means we can continue integrating him into team training and preparing him for top-flight football.

"It is an absolutely fantastic update."

When asked whether the Italian will do his own pre-season once he is back fully fit, Glasner replied: "Yes. He still can't do the full training sessions so he just does the first part and then he does his individual stuff.

"We always have to see how the knee reacts, but so far so good. We are always trying to progress things but we recognise the need to deload his knee.

"Everything is on track so far, but it is now about really being patient with him. We have a friendly in the international break where hopefully he will get his first 15, 30 or 45 minutes."

Listen to more from Glasner's pre-match interview with Colin Fray, including the Austrian's belief that Nottingham Forest will turn form into results, below or on BBC Sounds here

Grace Wheeler
BBC Sport

Nottingham Forest boss Oliver Glasner has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Brentford at Gtech Community Stadium (kick-off Saturday 15:00 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Glasner confirmed Nicolo Savona and Igor Jesus are "still out."

• He added: "Nicolas Domínguez is progressing very well but we'll train for the first time tomorrow with the team, let's see if the game is maybe a little bit too early, but he should be fine and ready for Manchester City."

• Glasner said there is a "doubt" with the readiness of Dan Ndyoe. He explained: "He felt after the game and the entire week, also the last week since returning from Switzerland with some hamstring fatigue. Let's see if he can train tomorrow with the team and does well without taking any risk. He is available and if not he will miss the game but then he should be OK for Manchester City."

• The boss also confirmed that Neco Williams is OK. He explained: "He trained from day number one. He fell on his nerve. He was numb and had that huge pain during or in the game, but everything settled and so he trained the entire week."

• On form, Glasner said: "I don't think that players are out of form, I think some players are showing better performances than they showed the entire last year. I feel we're completely heading into the right direction. This is now the first time where it looks like there's a little bit of stability for months now. That's why I'm completely fine with what's happening at the training ground, how the players are presenting. Of course we are not pleased with the results and with the points we have but again, that's then our job, to get the results."

• On maintaining a sense of calm on the pitch, he added: "For me being level headed is the only solution because no player is to blame for missing a chance or clearances on the goal line. It doesn't make sense to get emotional and to starting shouting. For me it is not getting nervous, it is about sticking to what we started a few months ago."

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

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Nottingham Forest midfielder Nicolas Dominguez missed Friday's draw at Ipswich Town because of "a minor muscle injury," Oliver Glasner has revealed.

The 28-year-old, who came in for the injured Morgan Gibbs-White against Arsenal, is expected to return in time for Saturday's trip to Brentford.

"He has a minor muscle injury, but he could be back next week," said Glasner.

"It's always when we have these small issues that we don't want to take the risk because it's the same as Morgan, and [we need to consider] whether he will be available next week.

"We are confident he will be available against Brentford, or at the latest against Manchester City."