Nottingham Forest and Brentford, two teams that pulled off surprising top-10 finishes last season, collide in a Premier League opener at the City Ground on Sunday. Forest finished seventh and earned a long-awaited return to European competition discussions, while Brentford head into the match under new leadership as Keith Andrews takes charge following Thomas Frank’s departure.
Forest have been active in the transfer window. They’ve lost pacey winger Anthony Elanga to Newcastle but have kept hold of key midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White despite interest from Spurs. The Tricky Trees have also added a trio of new faces—Igor Jesus, Dan Ndoye, Omari Hutchinson and James McAtee—which should bolster what is already a strong squad outside the traditional “big six.”
Brentford, by contrast, introduce Keith Andrews as their head coach for his first competitive game in charge after Frank’s move to Spurs in London. The Bees have seen departures as well, with club captain Christian Nørgaard and forward Bryan Mbeumo leaving in the summer, and Yoane Wissa linked with a move away amid interest from Newcastle. Andrews faces the challenge of keeping Brentford among the league’s upper mid-table sides.
Fixture details
– Nottingham Forest vs Brentford
– When: Sunday, Aug. 17
– Where: City Ground
– Kickoff: 2 p.m. BST
– US ET: 9 a.m.; US PT: 6 a.m.
– Australia: 11 p.m. AEST
Where to watch and how to stream around the world
– United States: NBC broadcasts the match, with streaming available on Peacock. A Peacock Premium or Premium Plus subscription is required for live streaming.
– United Kingdom: The game is exclusive to Sky Sports and will be available via Sky Sports Plus. If you already have Sky Sports, you can stream through the Sky Go app. Cord-cutters can use Now or Now Sports to access the game.
– Canada: Fubo holds exclusive Premier League rights, streaming all matches live for subscribers.
– Australia: Stan Sport carries all 380 Premier League fixtures, including this one.
VPN and streaming notes
– If you’re traveling or abroad and want to watch EPL games, a VPN can help protect your privacy and potentially access your home streaming services. Be aware that some platforms restrict VPN usage and may block access, so always check the terms of service and your subscription’s allowances before streaming.
– Common VPN guidance includes choosing a reputable provider, installing securely, and being mindful of local laws and service agreements. Some fans use VPNs to avoid region locks, but platforms may detect and block VPN traffic.
Helpful tips if you’re streaming with a VPN
– Pick a VPN with a solid track record for streaming and reliable performance. ExpressVPN is frequently recommended for this purpose due to broad device support, strong encryption, and a large server network.
– Check for any DNS or speed issues during trials, and consider trying a few server locations to find the best balance of speed and reliability.
– Remember to review the streaming service’s policy on VPN use to avoid interruptions or account issues.
– Look for a provider that offers a money-back guarantee so you can test without long-term commitment.
What to watch for on Sunday
– Forest’s level of cohesion after a notable recruitment drive will be telling. The additions, particularly in midfield and attack, are aimed at maintaining a high-press style and improving creativity from midfield.
– Brentford will be looking to establish a new identity under Andrews and manage the transition after key departures. The early minutes will reveal how quickly the squad adapts to the new leadership and any tactical adjustments.
– The match could set the tone for both sides’ seasons, given their strong finishes last year and the changes both clubs have undergone.
Summary
Nottingham Forest hosts Brentford in a fixture that promises the early-season intrigue of two teams aiming to solidify top-half ambitions. Forest’s blend of retained talent and fresh signings faces a Brentford side under a new manager, eager to prove they can sustain their recent momentum. For fans watching from abroad, several regional options exist to stream the game, with VPNs offering a potential workaround for region-restricted coverage—always ensure compliance with terms of service and local laws.
Optional hopeful note
If Forest’s new signings click quickly and Gibbs-White continues to prove influential, Forest could build on their strong finish from last season and push further up the table. Brentford, navigating a transitional period, will be keen to show they can adapt smoothly and keep competing at a high level under their new leadership.