Nottingham Forest - Bayer Leverkusen: Match preview

Nottingham Forest are preparing for another Premier League campaign after narrowly avoiding relegation last season. The Tricky Trees finished 16th with 44 points from 38 matches, ending the league campaign only five points above the drop zone. Their European run was far more encouraging, however, as Forest reached the UEFA Europa League semi-finals. They have already played seven friendlies this summer, recording three wins, three defeats, and one draw, with their league opener against Leeds coming on August 22.

Bayer Leverkusen have enjoyed a much more convincing preseason. Xabi Alonso’s former side have won all five of their summer friendlies, scoring at least three goals in four of them. Their previous Bundesliga campaign was less impressive, with Leverkusen finishing sixth on 59 points, three points short of fourth place. As a result, they will compete in the Europa League this season, while their Bundesliga campaign begins against Elversberg on August 29.

Match facts and head-to-head

Nottingham Forest enter the game after three consecutive defeats.

Bayer Leverkusen have won all five of their preseason fixtures.

Forest finished 16th in the Premier League last season, while Leverkusen ended their Bundesliga campaign in sixth.

Nottingham have conceded in each of their last five matches.

The two clubs have never met in a competitive fixture.