Nottingham Forest wrap up their pre-season training camp in Portugal with a friendly against Sporting Lisbon in the Algarve. The match will take place on Friday evening, nearly nine hours after Forest face another Portuguese outfit, Portimonense.
It's pre-season friendly action on Friday, July 31, as Forest face a Sporting side that has won three consecutive pre-season games. New Forest boss Oliver Glasner will be aiming to keep his team unbeaten after taking charge.
Team Form
Sporting CP: Won three consecutive pre-season matches, scoring 13 goals in total.
Nottingham Forest: Unbeaten in pre-season under new management with two wins and one draw.
Key Stats & Head-to-Head
Sporting CP have won all three of their pre-season fixtures so far, including a 7-0 victory over Strasbourg.
Nottingham Forest remain unbeaten in pre-season, recording two victories and a draw in their three games.
Igor Jesus has been in fine form for Forest, netting three goals in his last three pre-season appearances.
Sporting Lisbon finished six points adrift of Primeira Liga champions Porto during the 2025-26 season.
This match serves as Sporting’s final pre-season outing before starting their league campaign against Estrela on August 8.
What to Expect From Both Teams
Sporting CP | Form: WWW
Sporting CP enter this clash with immense confidence after opening their pre-season schedule with three consecutive victories.
Despite key departures like Morten Hjulmand and Francisco Trincao, the Portuguese side has brought in seven summer additions to bolster their squad.
With their league opener against Estrela looming on August 8, ending pre-season on a high note is a top priority for the squad.
Nottingham Forest | Form: WWD
Oliver Glasner's men are looking to build on their unbeaten pre-season run following wins over Notts County and Blackburn Rovers.
Despite the departure of Elliot Anderson to Manchester City, the Tricky Trees have recruited midfielder Xaver Schlager to strengthen their squad.
With a busy schedule of friendlies ahead, finding their rhythm in Portugal remains a top priority for Glasner and his staff.
Predicted Lineups
Sporting CP (possible):
Virginia, Vagiannidis, Quaresma, Felicissimo, Araujo, Altimira, Doumbia, Geny, Zalazar, Goncalves, Nel.
Nottingham Forest (possible):
Sels, Cunha, Milenkovic, Morato, Aina, Dominguez, Schlager, Williams, Gibbs-White, McAtee, Jesus.
Matchups & Players to Watch
Jesse Derry: The Chelsea loanee could feature again after netting in Sporting's weekend win over Monaco.
Xaver Schlager: The new midfield signing from RB Leipzig will be tasked with running the Forest engine room.
Rafael Nel: Expected to lead the line for Sporting after getting on the scoresheet against Monaco.
Igor Jesus: The forward arrives in great form, having scored three goals in three pre-season appearances.
Odds Market on MSport
Sporting CP/Home to win = 2.17
Nottingham Forest/Away to win = 2.90
Both teams to score (GG/NG Yes) = 1.41
Over 2.5 total goals = 1.44
This clash presents a classic pre-season battle: a high-scoring Sporting Lisbon side faces a Nottingham Forest team building momentum under new management.
With both managers using this as a vital dress rehearsal for their upcoming domestic campaigns, the Algarve is set for a compelling evening.
Who do you think will take the points? Tell us your prediction in the comments.