Nottingham Forest to Face Notts County in Pre-Season Clash
Nottingham Forest is set to kick off their pre-season fixtures with a match against local rivals Notts County this weekend. The game will take place at Meadow Lane on Saturday, July 15, with kick-off scheduled for 1pm. Forest will be looking to build momentum as they prepare for their second campaign in the Premier League after narrowly avoiding relegation last season.
This will be the first meeting between the two teams since July 2022, when they played out a thrilling 2-2 draw. Notts County, who secured promotion back to the Football League after a penalty shootout win over Chesterfield in the National League play-off final, will be eager to test themselves against their top-flight neighbors.
However, Notts County’s pre-season preparations have been mixed so far. They started off on a positive note with a convincing 3-0 victory over Nuneaton Town but suffered a heavy 5-1 defeat at the hands of Championship side Stoke City. Manager Luke Williams acknowledged the gap in quality between the two teams and emphasized the need for his players to cut out mistakes and be clinical in front of goal.
Forest, on the other hand, will be without Morgan Gibbs-White for the clash. The midfielder played a key role in England U21’s Euro triumph last weekend and has been granted additional holiday to recover from his exertions. This presents an opportunity for Emmanuel Dennis to make a statement after a season where he was mostly used as a substitute. Additionally, Chris Wood will make his first appearance since his loan move from Newcastle was made permanent in a £15 million deal.
Fans will be able to watch the game live on Forest TV, along with the club’s other pre-season fixtures. Streaming passes are expected to be priced at £5, similar to last year’s friendlies. This provides an affordable option for supporters to follow their team’s progress and get a glimpse of the new signings in action.
The clash between Nottingham Forest and Notts County is not just a friendly match but also a chance for both teams to assess their strengths and weaknesses ahead of the upcoming season. For Forest, it is an opportunity to fine-tune their squad and build chemistry among the players. Meanwhile, Notts County will be looking to make a statement as they return to the Football League.
The rivalry between the two clubs adds an extra layer of excitement to the fixture. With both teams eager to impress, the game promises to be an entertaining affair. Forest will be hoping to carry their momentum from last season’s survival and start their pre-season campaign on a positive note. On the other hand, Notts County will be looking to bounce back from their defeat against Stoke and show that they can compete at a higher level.
As the new Premier League season approaches, this pre-season clash provides an opportunity for players to stake their claim for a spot in the starting lineup. It also allows managers to experiment with different formations and tactics. The result may not be the most important aspect of the game, but the performance and individual displays will certainly be closely scrutinized.
In conclusion, Nottingham Forest’s clash against Notts County marks the beginning of their pre-season preparations for the upcoming Premier League season. Both teams will be looking to make a statement and assess their squad ahead of the new campaign. With live streaming available on Forest TV, fans can follow their team’s progress and get a glimpse of the new signings in action. The rivalry between the two clubs adds an extra layer of excitement, making this pre-season clash an eagerly anticipated fixture for supporters.