The new 2025/26 Premier League season is almost upon us as Nottingham Forest take on Brentford this weekend.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s side welcome Brentford to the City Ground on Sunday, and they’ll be expected to win, with the visitors having lost key players this summer, like Bryan Mbeumo and Christian Norgaard.
Nottingham Forest could hand James McAtee his debut, if the £20m transfer from Manchester City goes through in time.
New signings Igor Jesus, Jair Cunha and Dan Ndoye are available to make Nuno’s starting line-up, so competition is rife.
With that said, here are three Nottingham Forest players who have a big point to prove this season.
Callum Hudson-Odoi in action during Nottingham Forest vs Brentford
Photo by Cameron Smith – Danehouse/Getty Images
Three Nottingham Forest players with a point to prove this season
Callum Hudson-Odoi
With Anthony Elanga departing for Newcastle United, it very much feels like the onus is on Callum Hudson-Odoi to really step up.
The former Chelsea winger must replicate Elanga’s numbers, and so he’ll need to improve his output in the final third.
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Last season, Hudson-Odoi managed eight goal contributions whilst the Sweden international put up an impressive 20.
Ryan Yates
Forest are exploring a deal to sign Douglas Luiz from Juventus, whilst AC Milan’s Yunus Musah has also been linked to the City Ground.
So, quite clearly, Nuno and his chiefs are looking to bolster their ranks in the middle of the park, which leaves Yates’ future somewhat uncertain.
The academy graduate will have to impress in the limited minutes he’s afforded, otherwise, he may find himself out of the picture.
Zach Abbott
Zach Abbott really impressed Nuno last season and was rewarded with a start in the FA Cup semi-final defeat.
Abbott actually became the youngest-ever player to start an FA Cup game at Wembley, which evinces just how highly-rated he is.
He's one of our own. ❤️
We're delighted to announce that Zach Abbott has signed a new contract with the Club until the summer of 2029. ✍️
— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) July 23, 2025
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It feels like it could be a really big year for the 19-year-old, who will surely get opportunities across the four competitions.
Andy Reid has been tasked with turning Abbott into a future star.