Premier League 2026-27 preview: Nottingham Forest assess Glasner era and summer business
Nottingham Forest are the focus of The Guardian’s Premier League 2026-27 preview, published on 20 August 2026, which examines the club’s preparations under new head coach Oliver Glasner. The piece records Guardian writers’ predicted position of 11th and notes Glasner has implemented a 3-4-2-1 system he previously used at Crystal Palace.
Glasner’s arrival has brought a tactical reset, with the manager switching Forest to the 3-4-2-1 formation that delivered him success at Palace; the preview says players will need time to adapt but pre-season has shown encouraging signs. The club possesses three high-quality centre-backs Glasner can build around, and the absence of European football this season is judged likely to ease squad demands. The article adds that the squad’s talent is stronger than in recent seasons and that a calmer environment should benefit Dan Ndoye and Dilane Bakwa after difficult first years in the Premier League.
The preview recounts Forest’s turbulent 2025-26 campaign, noting the appointment of four permanent managers in one season and a late escape from relegation amid repeated tactical changes. Forest finished 16th in the league table and in Opta’s expected points standings last season, and none of the four managers departed having overseen a positive expected goal difference in 2025-26.
On the managerial transition, the article reports Vítor Pereira’s dismissal surprised some observers given his role in steadying the team, yet describes Glasner as “undeniably an upgrade” whose style suits the players at the City Ground. It notes Glasner recently left Palace, that Palace and Forest have an existing grievance, and that Glasner had disagreements with colleagues at Palace over transfer dealings, so he will need to improve relations with the City Ground hierarchy.
Ownership and off-field matters receive close attention: owner Evangelos Marinakis has launched legal action against Crystal Palace after some of their fans produced a derogatory banner about him, while supporters’ frustrations over ticket pricing last season forced the club to drop prices after poor Europa League sales and to freeze season-ticket costs. Plans to expand the City Ground from 30,500 to 52,500 are awaiting planning approval from the local council, with next summer cited as the most likely start date if approval is granted; the piece notes the lengthy process involves demolition of properties.
Transfer business and squad questions are outlined in detail: Forest are seeking a new striker amid concerns over Chris Wood’s injury record and the 34-year-old’s ability to lead the line for a full season. Liam Delap is mentioned as a target and described as a 23-year-old who would not come cheap if Forest attempt to prise him away from Chelsea. The only signing to have cost money at the time of writing is Ousmane Diomande, acquired from Sporting for £34m; the Ivorian defender, aged 22, is said to be highly rated by Glasner and capable of both immediate contribution and long-term development.
Midfield and individual player notes include James McAtee’s underwhelming first season, his inability to displace Morgan Gibbs-White, and the observation that although some expected McAtee to leave he remains at the club and could effectively replace Elliot Anderson after Forest failed to sign Lucas Bergvall. The preview describes McAtee as gifted on the ball but in need of greater aggression and discipline off it. It also records that Ola Aina, with Nigeria failing to qualify for the World Cup, enjoyed time away from football—paintballing with Fikayo Tomori, attending the French Open and Wimbledon, and visiting the pits at the British Grand Prix—and suggests he should be reinvigorated for the new season.
Forest enter the 2026-27 season with Glasner installed, one summer signing of substance in Ousmane Diomande and an ongoing search for a striker, while the club awaits a planning decision on the proposed expansion of the City Ground that, if approved, is most likely to begin next summer.