Premier League 2022/23 Preview: Nottingham Forest

Predicted finish: 20th

Nottingham Forest make their long-awaited return to the Premier League after a 23-year absence and the ultimate aim for Steve Cooper’s side will be survival. 

Forest secured a 1-0 Championship playoff final victory over Huddersfield to confirm the final promotion place and seal their return amongst England’s elite.

It must be noted, many members of the squad who helped Forest return to the Premier League have departed. It has therefore been a busy summer for owner Evangelos Marinakis, who has thus far sanctioned 11 signings with Jesse Lingard, Dean Henderson, Neco Williams and Taiwo Awonyi catching the eye in particular.

One key area of strength for the Tricky Trees is their manager, Steve Cooper, who replaced Chris Hughton when the side had managed just one point in their opening seven games. Few would have envisaged a run to the play-off final following such a poor start, and credit must be given to the man who transformed Forest’s fortunes.

Nottingham Forest are a team familiar to many fans across the globe despite their long absence from the top-flight. The ‘miracle men’ famously won back-to-back European cups in 1979 and 1980, etching their names into footballing history under the guidance of Brian Clough.

Owner Evangelos Marinakis told talkSPORT “be ready for trophies” when quizzed about the next steps for Forest and the Greek shipping magnate is clearly hoping the club can write a new storied chapter in the history books. This may be a tad ambitious in the short term due to the sheer step up in quality. 

In reality, a side with this many new signings must be allowed some time to gel. The shift from Championship football will be tangible and Cooper needs to quickly establish his side’s identity. Do