Nottingham Forest will make the short trip across the River Trent to take on rivals Notts County at Meadow Lane in a pre-season friendly on Saturday afternoon.
The Tricky Trees are readying themselves for a second season in the Premier League, while the Magpies are preparing for life in League Two following promotion from the National League.
Match preview
© Reuters
Notts County kicked off their pre-season preparations with a comfortable 3-0 victory over seventh-tier outfit Nuneaton Borough, but the Magpies were swiftly brought back down to earth last weekend.
Indeed, Notts County suffered a 5-1 thrashing at the hands of Championship side Stoke City on Saturday, with Tyrese Campbell – son of former Nottingham Forest striker Kevin Campbell – netting a hat-trick in the rout.
Despite Wrexham's unstoppable National League title charge, County enjoyed a remarkable 2022-23 campaign, picking up a whopping 107 points to finish just four points shy of Wrexham and 23 points clear of third-placed Chesterfield.
Deservedly, Luke Williams's side triumphed in the National League playoffs to secure promotion to League Two, claiming an extra-time victory over Boreham Wood before defeating Chesterfield on penalties in the final.
Having proven their worth last term, Notts County will be confident of cementing their place in the EFL, but they will have to be at their very best to overcome their Premier League neighbours.
© Reuters
While County gained promotion in eye-catching fashion last season, Forest avoided relegation by the skin of their teeth, finishing just four points outside the Premier League drop zone following a testing top-flight return.
The Tricky Trees looked destined for relegation when they endured an 11-game winless run between February and April, recording three draws and eight losses while conceding goals at an alarming rate.
However, Evangelos Marinakis remained loyal to Steve Cooper, and the manager repaid the owner's faith, overseeing victories against Brighton & Hove Albion, Southampton and Arsenal in the final six matches to guarantee survival.
It is no secret that Nottingham Forest struggled on their travels last season, registering a solitary victory in 19 away league outings, so Cooper will be determined to find a winning formula on the road.
By contrast, Forest lost just five of their 19 home league matches last term, with positive results against the likes of Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea underlining the team's capabilities on home soil.
Team News
© Reuters
Notts County have wasted no time in bolstering their squad ahead of their Football League return, with veteran striker David McGoldrick – who played for Forest between 2009 and 2013 – returning to the club after 19 years.
Former Forest midfielder John Bostock is also in County's ranks, while Macauley Langstaff will aim to pick up where he left off last season after scoring a record-breaking 42 goals in 45 National League appearances.
Much was made of Nottingham Forest's gung-ho transfer strategy last year, but the Tricky Trees have yet to make a signing this summer, with Jesse Lingard, Andre Ayew and Jack Colback among the players released by the club.
Harry Toffolo could be set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines having been charged with multiple alleged betting breaches, although Omar Richards' return from injury should ease Cooper's selection dilemma at left-back.
Long-term injury absentee Giulian Biancone remains sidelined as he continues to recover from knee surgery, while key playmaker Morgan Gibbs-White is expected to miss Saturday's match after leading England Under-21s to European Championship glory.
Notts County possible starting lineup:
Stone; Brindley, Bajrami, Cameron, Chicksen; Crowley, Mahovo, Nemane, Palmer; Langstaff, McGoldrick
Nottingham Forest possible starting lineup:
Hennessey; Niakhate, Worrall, Felipe; Aurier, Danilo, Mangala, Yates, Richards; Johnson, Awoniyi
We say: Notts County 1-3 Nottingham Forest
Having suffered a 5-1 thrashing against Stoke City last weekend, Notts County will be eager to produce an improved performance on Saturday, but Forest are expected to flex their Premier League muscles at Meadow Lane.
No Data Analysis info
