Nottingham Forest step back into the knockout stage of a major European competition tonight when they host Danish side FC Midtjylland in a highly anticipated Europa League Round of 16 first leg.
The Tricky Trees arrive at this stage having navigated a challenging playoff tie against Fenerbahçe. Under the guidance of head coach Vítor Pereira, Forest secured a 4–2 aggregate victory, including an impressive 3–0 win in the first leg. While Premier League survival remains a priority for the club, European nights at the City Ground offer a chance to reclaim former glory.
Forest hold a strong historical record in these scenarios, winning 65% of their first-leg knockout ties in major European competition. However, they must improve their recent home form, having won just one of their last eight matches at the City Ground.
FC Midtjylland enter this knockout tie following an exceptional league phase, finishing third in the 36-team table. Mike Tullberg’s men have already proven they can conquer the City Ground, having secured a 3–2 victory in Nottingham back in October. Midtjylland possess a formidable record against English clubs, winning four of their nine previous meetings, and they arrive in England on a five-game unbeaten run across all competitions.
Nottingham Forest vs FC Midtjylland – Match preview and team news
- Date: Thursday, 12 March 2026
- Kick-off: 20:00 GMT
- Venue: The City Ground, Nottingham
- Referee: Rade Obrenovič
- VAR: Matej Jug
- Last Meeting: Nottingham Forest 2–3 FC Midtjylland (2 Oct 2025, Europa League)
Team News
Nottingham Forest
Vítor Pereira must manage several key absences as Stefan Ortega (calf), Dan Ndoye, and Jair Cunha are all ruled out of the first leg. They join long-term absentees Chris Wood, Willy Boly, and Nicolò Savona on the sidelines. In a significant squad update, Matz Sels has been reinstated to the club’s UEFA A list and is set to start in goal. Brazilian striker Igor Jesus will lead the attack, looking to add to his seven Europa League goals this season.
FC Midtjylland
The visitors face significant attacking absences as top scorer Franculino is ruled out through injury, alongside Mikel Gogorza. Winger Darío Osorio is also unavailable due to suspension. However, former Premier League figures Kevin Mbabu and Philip Billing are expected to start, while Junior Brumado and Gue-sung Cho are in contention to lead the attack.
Form
Nottingham Forest
Forest have struggled for consistency recently, recording just one win in their last five matches. Despite their domestic difficulties, they have looked resilient in Europe, particularly in the first legs of knockout ties where they have won 15 of 23 historic attempts. Striker Igor Jesus has been the focal point of their European campaign, setting a club record for the most goals by a Forest player in a single major European season.
FC Midtjylland
The Danish side arrives in excellent form, having won 11 of their last 13 European matches, including qualifiers. While they have been dominant at home, they have failed to win their two most recent away games on the continent. Midtjylland have proven to be giant-killers against English opposition, recording wins over Manchester City, Manchester United, Southampton, and Forest.
Predicted Lineups
Nottingham Forest Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Sels; Aina, Milenkovic, Murillo, Williams; Sangare, Anderson; Hutchinson, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi; Jesus
FC Midtjylland Predicted XI (3-4-3): Olafsson; Erlic, Bech Sorensen, Diao; Mbabu, Billing, Castillo, Bak; Simsir; Cho, Brumado
How to Watch Nottingham Forest vs FC Midtjylland?
The match will be televised live in the UK on TNT Sports 1. Coverage begins at 19:00 GMT ahead of the 20:00 kick-off.
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