Nottingham vs Tottenham in the Premier League kicks off on 5 September 2026 at 2:00 pm UTC. Forest arrive with one point from two league matches, while Spurs are still waiting for a goal. The head-to-head edge leans Forest, but Tottenham still have the sharper individual scorers.
- Competition: Premier League
- Fixture: Nottingham vs Tottenham
- Date: 5 September 2026
- Kickoff: 2:00 pm UTC
- Home side: Nottingham Forest FC
- Away side: Tottenham Hotspur FC
- Status: Scheduled
Quick Verdict: Forest 1-1 Tottenham. Forest have already found goals and a point, while Spurs have not scored in two league games. The danger to that call is Tottenham’s stronger scoring history from last season. Watch for whether Morgan Gibbs-White can give Forest control between the lines.
Nottingham vs Tottenham Preview
Forest’s early league numbers are modest, but they have not been blunt. They scored twice against Liverpool and drew 2-2, which is a cleaner attacking return than Tottenham’s 0 from two.
Spurs are under sharper pressure because their league line is still bare: two losses, five conceded, none scored. That makes this less about style and more about which side handles the first big chance.
| Team | Pos | P | Wins | Draws | Losses | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Last 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nottingham Forest FC | 14 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | -1 | 1 | D L |
| Tottenham Hotspur FC | 19 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 5 | -5 | 0 | L L |
Here, P means played, GF means goals scored, GA means goals allowed, and GD means goals scored minus goals allowed. Forest’s goal difference is only -1, which is manageable this early. Tottenham’s -5 tells a harsher story after just two matches.
The bigger point is not just the points gap. Forest have already shown they can score in a match they did not win, while Spurs have yet to show that same basic response. That nudges the game toward Forest unless Tottenham’s attack finally starts paying off.
Recent Form
Nottingham Forest Recent Form
Forest’s last two league outings give them a mixed but useful base. The 2-2 draw with Liverpool stands out, because it shows they can stay in a game against a stronger side. The 0-1 loss to Leeds was tighter, but it left them with only one point from six.
| Opponent | Score | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Liverpool FC | 2-2 | 🟡 Draw |
| Leeds United FC | 0-1 | 🔴 Loss |
Tottenham Hotspur Recent Form
Spurs have lost both league games and have not scored in either one. That matters because it is not just about results; it is about the attack failing to leave a mark at all. A 0-3 defeat to Brentford and a 0-2 loss to Newcastle leave very little margin for error here.
| Opponent | Score | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Newcastle United FC | 0-2 | 🔴 Loss |
| Brentford FC | 0-3 | 🔴 Loss |
Head-to-Head Record
Forest have had the better of this match-up lately, winning four of the last five meetings. Tottenham’s lone win in that run came at home in April 2024. The recent pattern is clear enough to matter, even if it does not decide this one on its own.
| Date | Home Team | Score | Away Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-03-22 | Tottenham Hotspur FC | 0-3 | Nottingham Forest FC |
| 2025-12-14 | Nottingham Forest FC | 3-0 | Tottenham Hotspur FC |
| 2025-04-21 | Tottenham Hotspur FC | 1-2 | Nottingham Forest FC |
| 2024-12-26 | Nottingham Forest FC | 1-0 | Tottenham Hotspur FC |
| 2024-04-07 | Tottenham Hotspur FC | 3-1 | Nottingham Forest FC |
Forest’s recent edge in this fixture is not a small one. They have scored three away, three at home and kept clean sheets in three of those wins. That is the sort of record Spurs need to confront early, not after falling behind.
Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Morgan Gibbs-White has one goal and one assist in two Premier League matches this season. That is the clearest Forest attacking reference point, and it matters because Spurs have yet to concede to a settled league attack with confidence behind it.
Dan Ndoye has also scored once in two league appearances. Forest do not need a long list of scorers here; they need one or two players who keep the away defence honest.
For Tottenham, Richarlison is still the standout recent scorer in the wider evidence. He had 11 league goals and four assists in 2025/26, so Forest cannot just sit off him if he finds space.
João Palhinha, Mickey van de Ven and Mathys Tel all added goal output last season too. That does not guarantee the same in this match, but it does show Spurs have more than one possible route to a breakthrough.
Factors That Could Decide the Match
- First goal: Tottenham need it more. Their league scoring line is still empty, so an early breakthrough would change the whole mood.
- Forest’s home edge: The head-to-head record at and around the City Ground has been strong enough to matter.
- Gibbs-White’s influence: His goal and assist return gives Forest a reliable source of final passes and shots.
- Spurs’ shot response: Two straight scoreless league games make their finishing the key question, not just their build-up.
What Could Change the Picture
If Forest score first, the match could open into a more comfortable home rhythm. Tottenham would then have to force the pace, and that has not been working for them in the league.
If Spurs score first, the tone changes fast. Forest would need to chase, and that might reduce the space their main creators usually prefer.
If it stays level late, the draw becomes the live outcome. That would suit Forest more than Spurs, because it extends Tottenham’s wait for a first league win.
Prediction
Forest 1-1 Tottenham feels the safest read. Forest have the cleaner early league attack, but Spurs still have enough named scorers from last season to threaten a response.
The main uncertainty is Tottenham’s finishing. If Richarlison or one of the deeper scorers finds form quickly, Forest’s edge in the head-to-head record will matter less.
Why This Prediction Could Be Wrong
Tottenham could finally turn their chances into goals after two blank league games. That would remove the biggest reason to lean away from them.
Forest could also lose the control they showed against Liverpool if Spurs sharpen their passing in the final third. One early goal would change the whole shape of the match.
The other risk is that the recent head-to-head record proves to be a poor guide this time. Five meetings is useful, but it is still a small sample.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Nottingham vs Tottenham start?
It starts on 5 September 2026 at 2:00 pm UTC.
What competition is Nottingham vs Tottenham in?
The fixture is in the Premier League.
What is the recent head-to-head record in Nottingham vs Tottenham?
Forest have won four of the last five meetings, with Tottenham winning once.
How have Nottingham Forest started the Premier League season?
They drew 2-2 with Liverpool and lost 0-1 to Leeds United.
How have Tottenham started the Premier League season?
They lost 0-3 to Brentford and 0-2 to Newcastle United.
Which Nottingham player has the clearest early attacking return?
Morgan Gibbs-White has one goal and one assist in two Premier League appearances.
Match Details
- Fixture: Nottingham vs Tottenham
- Competition: Premier League
- Date: 5 September 2026
- Kickoff: 2:00 pm UTC
- Home club: Nottingham Forest FC
- Away club: Tottenham Hotspur FC
Key Players to Watch
- Morgan Gibbs-White — 1 goal, 1 assist in 2 Premier League appearances this season.
- Dan Ndoye — 1 goal in 2 Premier League appearances this season.
- Richarlison — 11 goals and 4 assists in 33 Premier League appearances last season.
- Mathys Tel — 4 goals and 1 assist in 38 Premier League appearances last season.
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References
- www.flashscore.com
- www.premierleague.com
- www.nottinghamforest.co.uk
- www.tottenhamhotspur.com
- www.football-data.org
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Chris Marcus
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