Nottingham Forest host Danish club Midtjylland at The City Ground in their second match of the 2025/26 UEFA Europa League on October 2.
Forest have made a disappointing start to the campaign. They sit 17th, just above the relegation zone in the Premier League, with five points after six matches, out of which they have secured only one win.
The English club, under their new head coach, Ange Postecoglou, were eliminated from the third round of the Carabao Cup last month and drew 2-2 against Real Betis in their Europa League opener.
Midtjylland, meanwhile, stand second in the Superliga with 21 points from 10 matches and bagged a 2-0 win over Austrian club SK Sturm Graz in their first game of the European competition.
These teams have never faced each other in a competitive match before, making the upcoming clash a clean slate for both sides.
Nottingham Forest vs. Midtjylland lineups: Predicted starting XI, team news, injury latest
Forest will be without defender Ola Aina due to a hamstring injury, while there are doubts over Douglas Luiz and Murillo's availability with their respective thigh problems.
While few changes are expected in defence, Igor Jesus, who scored a brace against Real Betis, is expected to be included in Forest's starting lineup, replacing Chris Wood.
Following their loss to promoted Sunderland in the Premier League last weekend, Postecoglou is expected to name a strong side against Midtjylland to ensure a much-needed win.
Nottingham Forest predicted starting XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Sels (GK) —Williams, Milenkovic, Morato, Zinchenko — Sangare, Anderson — Bakwa, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi — Jesus
Injured: Aina (hamstring), Douglas Luiz (thigh), Murillo (thigh)
Suspended: None
Midtjylland will be missing goalkeeper Ovie Ejeheri and young winger Mikel Gogorza due to their respective injuries, while winger Dario Osorio could potentially return to action following his recent recovery from a muscle problem.
Midtjylland predicted starting XI (3-5-2, right to left): Olafsson (GK) — Diao, Erlic, Sorensen — Mbabu, Castillo, Billing, Simsir, Paulinho — Franculino, Brumado
Injured: Ejeheri (surgery), Gogorza (hamstring)
Suspended: None
Nottingham Forest vs. Midtjylland match details
- Date: Thursday, October 2, 2025
- Kickoff timing: 8 p.m. local time / 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT / 5 a.m. AEST (October 3)
- Location: City Ground, Nottinghamshire (England)
- Competition: UEFA Europa League league phase matchday 2
- Referee: Willy Delajod (FRA)
- VAR: Jerome Brisard (FRA)
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