Notts County vs Nottingham Forest - Friendlies Clubs

When Notts County and Nottingham Forest clash at the home ground on July 18, 2026, the stakes extend well beyond a single result — this is a Friendlies Clubs fixture that carries real weight for both clubs. There are just three weeks to go in the transfer window and City face more transfer questions than answers ahead of the new campaign.

There is plenty riding on this Friendlies Clubs encounter for Notts County and Nottingham Forest alike, and neither will want to leave the home ground empty-handed. Notts County's recent form is difficult to quantify, but the occasion itself should bring the best out of them. The visitors will back themselves to cause problems and will not make the trip expecting an easy afternoon. The Ghana winger, signed on loan from Belgian club Union Saint-Gilloise on transfer deadline day, drilled in an angled shot on the run, via the inside of the far post, for his first Derby goal.

Set-piece efficiency could prove the difference on the night. Both Notts County and Nottingham Forest have invested time in dead-ball situations this season, and a single corner or free-kick may settle it. It meant City had a three-man defence of Josko Gvardiol, Abdukodir Khusanov and Ruben Dias when in possession.

Neither side is short on individuals capable of tilting the balance, and the duel between the two squads' chief creators could prove particularly pivotal. Discipline at the back and sharpness in front of goal will likely tilt the balance one way or the other. Do not rule out a move for a centre-forward too.

Predicting an outright winner is no easy task given how little separates the two sides on paper. The signals point towards a stalemate, with the two sides closely matched across form and standings. A 1-1 draw is easy to envisage. The ramifications of this result could ripple through the Friendlies Clubs standings for weeks to come, regardless of who comes out on top. The club are understood to favour a profile closer to Aurelien Tchouameni or a Premier League‑proven alternative rather than Manu Kone.