Story perspectives

Nottingham Forest vs Leeds set for 2026/27 opener

8/20/2026

Summary

Forest Hosts Leeds

Nottingham Forest will host Leeds United in the 2026/27 Premier League opener.
The match is scheduled for 22 August 2026 at 14:00 GMT at the City Ground.
New manager Oliver Glasner introduced a 3-4-2-1 formation, replacing Vítor Pereira.
Center-back Nicolo Savona is listed as injured and will miss the opening game.
Owner Evangelos Marinakis sued Crystal Palace over a fan banner while stadium expansion awaits council approval.

Summary

Schlager Impresses

Xaver Schlager quickly settled during Forest’s Portugal camp and impressed against Brest and Bayer Leverkusen.
Schlager’s prior Wolfsburg experience with manager Oliver Glasner helped him fit the new system.
Versatile playmaker McAtee impressed on training pitches last year.
Oliver Glasner aims to unlock McAtee’s impact.
Forward Igor Jesus began pre-season in goal-rich form, though his scoring has tapered recently.

History

Historical Context

In May 1992 the FA created the Premier League with 22 clubs, securing a £304 million TV deal with Sky and the BBC that lifted club revenues dramatically. The deal funded high-profile signings and prompted stadium upgrades, including the all-seater conversions required after the Taylor Report. Forest’s 2026 pre-season under Oliver Glasner and owner Evangelos Marinakis, who plan a 10,000-seat expansion, mirrors that commercial-driven transformation.

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Forest Hosts Leeds

Nottingham Forest will host Leeds United in the 2026/27 Premier League opener.
The match is scheduled for 22 August 2026 at 14:00 GMT at the City Ground.
New manager Oliver Glasner introduced a 3-4-2-1 formation, replacing Vítor Pereira.
Center-back Nicolo Savona is listed as injured and will miss the opening game.
Owner Evangelos Marinakis sued Crystal Palace over a fan banner while stadium expansion awaits council approval.

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