Nottingham Forest travel to Denmark on Thursday night, facing a defining test of their European credentials as they look to overturn a one-goal first-leg deficit against FC Midtjylland.
The Tricky Trees arrive at the MCH Arena following a frustrating 0–0 draw with Fulham in the Premier League, a result that highlighted a growing concern over their clinical edge in front of goal. Vítor Pereira’s men dominated the first leg at the City Ground, unleashing 22 shots, but were ultimately undone by a late Gue-sung Cho strike.
History, however, offers a glimmer of hope: Forest have progressed from this position once before, famously overturning a 1–0 home loss to Berliner FC Dynamo en route to winning the 1979–80 European Cup. Notably, Forest have found more joy on their travels recently, netting nine goals in their last five away matches.
FC Midtjylland, meanwhile, stand on the verge of history as they aim to reach the quarter-finals of a major European competition for the first time. Mike Tullberg’s side has been the tournament’s “lethal pragmatists,” twice punishing Forest with goals in the 80th minute or later this season.
While the “Wolves” suffered a heartbreaking 99th-minute defeat to FC Nordsjælland in the Danish Superliga over the weekend, their European home form remains impeccable. Midtjylland have won each of their last four major European home matches and will look to their rigid defensive structure to stifle a Forest attack that has struggled for goals in recent weeks.
FC Midtjylland vs Nottingham Forest – Match preview and team news
- Date: Thursday, 19 March 2026
- Kick-off: 17:45 GMT
- Venue: MCH Arena, Herning
- Referee: Felix Zwayer
- VAR: Robert Schröder
- Last Meeting: Nottingham Forest 0–1 FC Midtjylland (12 March 2026, UEL)
Team News
FC Midtjylland
The hosts are without leading scorer Franculino, who is sidelined with a knee injury after netting 21 goals this term. Notably, Dario Osorio is available for selection following a suspension and will compete with Kevin Mbabu for a starting spot. First-leg hero Gue-sung Cho is pushing for a start up front, while former Bournemouth midfielder Philip Billing is expected to anchor the midfield.
Nottingham Forest
Vítor Pereira must navigate a lengthy injury list, with Jair Cunha (foot), Stefan Ortega (calf), and the knee-injury quartet of Chris Wood, Willy Boly, John Victor, and Nicolò Savona all ruled out. Notably, Igor Jesus remains the primary attacking threat, having scored four away goals in the Europa League this season, though he is yet to find the net against Midtjylland despite nine attempts. Morgan Gibbs-White is set to start in an advanced role, with the pair accounting for 40% of Forest’s goals this season.
Form
FC Midtjylland
FC Midtjylland arrive in Herning having won seven of their last nine Europa League games, though they are looking to bounce back from a 1-0 domestic loss to FC Nordsjælland. Their home ground has been a fortress in continental play, with the team currently enjoying a four-match winning streak in European home fixtures. Significantly, the Danes have been remarkably clinical against Forest, scoring two winners in the 80th minute or later across their two meetings this season.
Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest’s form has stagnated recently, with the side winless in six matches across all competitions following their 0-0 Premier League draw against Fulham. Vítor Pereira’s men have struggled to convert dominance into results, scoring just one goal in their last five home games despite recording 99 shots. Significantly, their away form provides the most optimism; they have won two of their last three Europa League road trips and have averaged nearly two goals per game on their travels lately.
Predicted Lineups
FC Midtjylland Predicted XI (3-5-2): Olafsson; Erlic, Bech Sorensen, Diao; Osorio, Billing, Bravo, Castillo, Bak; Simsir, Brumado
Nottingham Forest Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Sels; Aina, Milenkovic, Murillo, Williams; Sangare, Anderson; Hutchinson, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi; Jesus
How to Watch FC Midtjylland vs Nottingham Forest?
The match will be televised live in the UK on TNT Sports 2. Coverage begins at 17:00 GMT ahead of the 17:45 kick-off.
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