Glasner ruled duo out but vows to field strong side in Nottingham opener
Nottingham Forest begin Oliver Glasner’s first competitive season in charge at the City Ground this weekend but will do so without two regulars after the head coach confirmed Ryan Yates and Nicolo Savona will miss the club’s Premier League curtain-raiser against Leeds United.
Speaking ahead of the match, Glasner confirmed the injuries while setting expectations for a tough encounter against a Leeds side he described as "very good". The manager said he still has the pick of what he put in quotes as "23 other fit on-field players" for selection.
- Who is out: Ryan Yates and Nicolo Savona (ruled out)
- Home ground: City Ground, Nottingham
- Match context: Glasner’s first competitive match as Forest boss, opening weekend of the Premier League
"They play very physically, they are top at set pieces, they were second in running distance and they won the most balls under pressure last season," Glasner said of Leeds.
Glasner’s assessment underlines the challenge Forest face. He pointed to Leeds’ strengths in several statistical areas from last season — set pieces, running distance and regaining possession under pressure — as reasons to expect a physical, high-intensity encounter at the City Ground.
Forest supporters will also recall the club’s struggle in the previous campaign, which left them finishing 16th in the table. The new season offers Glasner an early chance to stamp his authority on the squad and begin to address the weaknesses that dogged Forest last term.
Selection and squad depth
With two players unavailable, selection decisions will draw attention. Glasner’s comment about having 23 other fit on-field players suggests the squad has depth to cover the absences, but it also increases the importance of tactical choices for the opening fixture. The manager faces the task of balancing stability with the desire to impose his style from the outset.
Local supporters will be watching how Glasner adapts his line-up and whether the team can make the City Ground a difficult place for visiting sides — a point the manager has previously highlighted as a priority.
What Leeds bring to Nottingham
Glasner’s pre-match briefing painted a picture of a Leeds outfit built on athleticism and pressing intensity. By flagging their set-piece threat and ball-winning proficiency, he has drawn attention to areas Nottingham Forest must manage carefully:
| Opposition strength | League standing (source comment) |
|---|---|
| Set pieces | Top in this area last season |
| Running distance | Second highest |
| Balls won under pressure | Most in the league |
Those traits point to a game that could be decided by physical battles and defensive organisation, particularly in dead-ball situations. For Forest, minimising mistakes and matching Leeds’ intensity will be crucial.
Local significance and next steps
For Nottingham — where matchday culture is a core part of community life — the opening game carries more than just three points. It will be an early indicator of Glasner’s impact and whether the squad can rally after a season that finished at 16th. Supporters arriving at the City Ground will be eager to see how the manager copes without two starters and whether his tactical approach can blunt the known strengths of Leeds United.
Team news beyond the confirmed absences has been limited in the information released so far. Supporters should expect final line-ups and any late fitness updates from the club close to kick-off. Glasner’s message so far has been clear: despite the setbacks, he believes he has the personnel to pick a competitive matchday squad and he expects a stern examination from a physically formidable Leeds side.
Kick-off is scheduled for the opening weekend of the Premier League season, with Nottingham Forest hoping to begin Glasner’s tenure with a positive result at the City Ground.
