Notts County vs Nottingham Forest: Nottingham Derby

The Nottingham Derby returns as Notts County host Nottingham Forest in a high-profile pre-season friendly at Meadow Lane. Although no league points are available, the match carries local pride and gives both clubs an important opportunity to prepare for the 2026–27 season.

Notts County enter the new campaign with confidence after earning promotion to League One. Nottingham Forest, meanwhile, begin their pre-season programme under new head coach Oliver Glasner, making this local meeting especially significant for supporters on both sides of the River Trent.

Nottingham Derby Match Details

Notts County vs Nottingham Forest takes place at Meadow Lane on Saturday, July 18, 2026. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. BST.

Nottingham Forest confirmed that the fixture would be their opening pre-season match. The Premier League club only need to make the short journey across Nottingham to face their local rivals.

Supporters can check Forest’s official fixture announcement for the confirmed match details. Notts County also published information through their official match announcement.

Why the Nottingham Derby Matters

The Nottingham Derby may be a friendly, but the connection between the clubs gives it more meaning than a typical pre-season fixture. The teams represent the same city, and the short distance between Meadow Lane and the City Ground creates a unique local atmosphere.

For Notts County, the fixture provides a valuable test against Premier League opposition. Martin Paterson’s team can measure its organisation, defensive discipline and fitness before beginning life in League One.

Notts County secured promotion by defeating Salford City 3-0 in the League Two play-off final at Wembley. The victory completed their return to the third tier of English football.

Forest will view the Nottingham Derby as the first step in a broader preparation programme. Fitness remains important, but the game also allows the coaching staff to introduce tactical ideas and assess different combinations. Football fans looking for more football analysis, match previews, and tournament insights can visit Velki Blogs.

Oliver Glasner Begins His Forest Journey

One of the biggest stories surrounding the Nottingham Derby is Oliver Glasner’s first match as Nottingham Forest head coach. The club confirmed that the visit to Meadow Lane would be his opening game in charge.

Pre-season results do not define a manager’s future, particularly in the first match. However, supporters will be interested in Forest’s formation, pressing structure and approach in possession.

Glasner may use the fixture to give minutes to senior players while also examining younger members of the squad. Friendlies often include several substitutions, allowing coaches to manage workloads and avoid placing too much pressure on players returning from their summer break.

Nottingham Derby Players to Watch

Notts County supporters will be interested in how their promotion-winning players perform against top-level opposition. The match gives the Magpies’ defenders an opportunity to face faster attacking movements and more aggressive pressing than they regularly encountered in League Two.

Jodi Jones was an important figure in Notts County’s successful promotion campaign and scored in the play-off final victory over Salford. His ability to carry the ball and create chances could help County attack Forest’s defence.

Forest have several established players who can influence the game, including Morgan Gibbs-White, Elliot Anderson, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Chris Wood. However, pre-season availability can be affected by international tournaments, fitness programmes and transfer activity.

The Nottingham Derby could therefore provide opportunities for academy players and less experienced squad members. Strong performances may help them earn further minutes during Forest’s remaining friendly fixtures.

What Notts County Can Gain

The Nottingham Derby is an opportunity for Notts County to test whether their style can remain effective against stronger opposition. They may have less possession than usual, making their defensive shape and counterattacking decisions particularly important.

County will also want to show that promotion has not reduced their hunger. A competitive performance against Forest could build confidence before their first League One fixture.

The result is less important than fitness, organisation and tactical execution. However, a strong performance would still give supporters encouragement about the team’s ability to adjust to a higher division.

What Nottingham Forest Can Learn

For Forest, the match provides an early look at Glasner’s tactical priorities. Supporters may watch whether the team uses a back three, how aggressively the wing-backs advance and how quickly Forest attempt to regain possession.

The Nottingham Derby also allows Forest to evaluate squad depth. Established players can improve their fitness, while younger players can demonstrate whether they are ready for senior responsibilities.

Forest also used the match to debut their 2026–27 home collection. The club confirmed before kickoff that the new kit would make its first appearance against Notts County.

How to Watch the Nottingham Derby

Nottingham Forest offered live coverage of the game through Forest TV, with the club advertising an individual streaming pass for £1.99.

Notts County also confirmed a live stream featuring multiple camera angles, commentary, replays and an on-screen match clock. Streaming availability and prices can depend on location, so supporters should check the clubs’ official platforms.

Conclusion

The Nottingham Derby offers more than a routine pre-season workout. It brings together two historic clubs from the same city at an important point in their preparations.

Notts County are building towards their return to League One, while Nottingham Forest are beginning a new chapter under Oliver Glasner. The performance, tactical experiments and individual displays may ultimately matter more than the final score.

For supporters, however, local pride will always add extra importance. That makes Notts County vs Nottingham Forest one of the most interesting fixtures at the beginning of both clubs’ pre-season schedules.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Nottingham Derby?

Notts County vs Nottingham Forest is being played on Saturday, July 18, 2026.

What time is Notts County vs Nottingham Forest?

The scheduled kickoff time is 3:00 p.m. BST.

Where is the Nottingham Derby being played?

The match is taking place at Meadow Lane, the home stadium of Notts County.

Is Notts County vs Nottingham Forest a league match?

No. It is a pre-season friendly ahead of the 2026–27 campaign.

Who is Nottingham Forest’s manager?

Oliver Glasner is beginning his Nottingham Forest tenure, with the Notts County friendly serving as his first match in charge.

Which division will Notts County play in?

Notts County will compete in League One after earning promotion through the 2025–26 League Two play-offs.