Nottingham vs Tottenham in the Premier League is set for Saturday, 5 September 2026, at 2:00 pm UTC. Nottingham Forest have already shown they can live with stronger opposition, while Tottenham arrive after two straight league defeats. That contrast makes the early tempo and the first goal especially important.
| Fixture | Nottingham vs Tottenham |
|---|---|
| Competition | Premier League |
| Date | Saturday, 5 September 2026 |
| Kick-off | 2:00 pm UTC |
Match Preview
Forest’s 2-2 draw with Liverpool stands out because it came after a 0-1 loss to Leeds. Those two results point to a side that can absorb pressure and still find goals, but not yet one that is safe when games tighten up.
Tottenham’s start is sharper at the wrong end. Back-to-back defeats, 0-3 against Brentford and 0-2 against Newcastle, leave them needing a response in a hurry. That does not make Spurs broken; it does mean their margin for error is already thin.
Recent Form
Nottingham Recent Form
Forest’s latest pair tells a neat story. They followed a narrow loss with a draw against Liverpool, which suggests they have enough fight to stay in games even when the result is not perfect.
| Opponent | Score | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Liverpool FC | 2-2 | 🟡 Draw |
| Leeds United FC | 0-1 | 🔴 Loss |
Tottenham Recent Form
Spurs have not found any early lift. Two defeats without scoring leave them with a simple task: defend better and create more in the same match.
| Opponent | Score | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Newcastle United FC | 0-2 | 🔴 Loss |
| Brentford FC | 0-3 | 🔴 Loss |
Quick Verdict
Prediction: Nottingham 1-1 Tottenham
Main evidence: Forest have already taken a point from Liverpool, while Spurs have lost both league games without scoring.
Biggest danger to the prediction: Tottenham’s attack has more obvious room to improve than the recent scorelines suggest.
Watch for this: If Forest stay level after a strong opening spell, their draw case grows fast.
Why Nottingham Have the Better Early Rhythm
Forest’s form is not perfect, but it is more stable. One defeat and one draw is a much better base than two straight losses, especially when one of those Forest results came against Liverpool.
That matters because it shows Nottingham are already competing in matches that can drift against them. If they keep that same level here, Tottenham will have to earn every chance.
What Tottenham Need to Fix
Spurs’ key problem is simple: they have not scored in either league game listed here. A team can survive one quiet afternoon, but two in a row starts to change the pressure on the whole front line.
That does not mean Tottenham cannot bounce back. It does mean they need a cleaner final ball and a faster edge in the box, or this could become another frustrating away day.
Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Forest’s most obvious attacking reference is Chris Wood, who is listed in the squad pool as an offence option. If Nottingham do threaten Tottenham’s defence, he is the kind of player who can turn a half-chance into a useful point.
Morgan Gibbs-White is another name that stands out for Forest. As a midfield option, he matters because teams that play well against stronger opposition usually need one player who can connect the first pass to the final action.
For Tottenham, James Maddison and Dominic Solanke are the clearest attacking names in the squad evidence. Spurs need their best creators and finishers involved early if they want to avoid another game chasing the score.
No verified absence, injury or suspension details are available here, so the selection picture should be checked again near kick-off.
Predicted Lineups
Nottingham
4-3-3
- Callum Hudson-Odoi
- Chris Wood
- Dan Ndoye
- James McAtee
- Morgan Gibbs-White
- Ryan Yates
- Neco Williams
- Murillo
- Nikola Milenković
- Ola Aina
- Matz Sels
VS
Tottenham
4-3-3
- Mohammed Kudus
- Dominic Solanke
- Richarlison
- Dejan Kulusevski
- James Maddison
- Rodrigo Bentancur
- Pedro Porro
- Marcos Senesi
- Mickey van de Ven
- Destiny Udogie
- Martin Dúbravka
These are projected lineups; official team sheets are normally confirmed closer to kick-off.
Factors That Could Decide the Match
- Nottingham’s opening control: Forest have already shown they can stay in touch with stronger opponents.
- Tottenham’s first goal: Spurs have not scored in their last two league matches, so the breakthrough matters.
- Game state after the first half: If it stays tight, Forest’s draw-friendly recent pattern becomes more relevant.
- Chance quality in the final third: Tottenham need more from their attacking names than their last two scores suggest.
What Could Change the Picture
If Nottingham score first, the match could slow down quickly and suit their recent habit of staying close. If Tottenham score first, the pressure shifts hard onto Forest to force the game.
If it is level late on, the draw becomes the most natural outcome. That fits Forest’s recent profile better than Spurs’, but one sharp attack can still tilt it either way.
Background
Forest play at The City Ground, a familiar setting that often matters when a promoted or unsettled side needs structure. Tottenham, by contrast, come in with heavier pressure after two losses and no goals in the league so far.
Oliver Glasner is listed as the coach for Nottingham, while Roberto De Zerbi is listed for Tottenham. Those names add intrigue, but the form table still does most of the talking here.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Nottingham vs Tottenham start?
It kicks off on Saturday, 5 September 2026, at 2:00 pm UTC.
What competition is Nottingham vs Tottenham in?
It is a Premier League match.
How have Nottingham been playing before this match?
Forest drew 2-2 with Liverpool and lost 0-1 to Leeds in their latest league results.
How have Tottenham been playing before this match?
Spurs lost 0-2 to Newcastle and 0-3 to Brentford in their latest league results.
What is the most likely result here?
A draw looks the most natural call, with 1-1 the clearest scoreline from the form shown here.
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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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