Fulham secured a confident 3-1 victory over Premier League rivals Nottingham Forest in a pre-season friendly held on July 26, 2025, at the Estadio de Sao Luis in Portugal. The match marked an important step in both teams' preparations for the upcoming 2025-26 campaign, providing valuable minutes and insights for the coaching staffs ahead of the new season.
Fulham’s head coach Marco Silva orchestrated a comprehensive display, giving playing time to 21 different players throughout the match. This wide rotation underlined his intent to assess squad depth and fitness levels during their Portugal training camp. The Cottagers cruised to their third pre-season win, with forward Harry Wilson shining brightest by netting a brilliant brace that ultimately decided the contest.
On the other side, Nottingham Forest, managed by Nuno Espirito Santo, adopted a similar approach to player management. The Reds handed summer signing Jair Cunha his first minutes in a Forest shirt, while also giving starts to a youthful academy quartet comprising Jimmy Sinclair, Aaron Bott, Josh Powell, and Jimmy Sinclair. The match was Forest’s third pre-season outing after two goalless draws against Chesterfield and Monaco, both played at Chesterfield’s SMH Group Stadium earlier in July.
The game kicked off at 8pm BST with Forest fielding a young and dynamic starting XI. The lineup featured goalkeeper Aaron Bott, defenders Jair Cunha, Morato, and David Carmo forming a back three, and a midfield mix of Ryan Yates, Adam Berry, and academy prospects including Sinclair and Josh Powell. Up front, Jota Silva and Taiwo Awoniyi led the attack, aiming to test Fulham’s defense early on.
Meanwhile, Fulham’s squad included several notable names on the bench, including Adama Traore, who has been linked with a potential summer transfer to Nottingham Forest. His presence added an intriguing subplot to the friendly, as fans speculated on possible moves ahead of the transfer deadline.
Throughout the match, Harry Wilson was the standout performer for Fulham. His two goals showcased his sharp finishing and ability to influence the game in crucial moments. Wilson’s performance not only bolstered Fulham’s attacking threat but also gave Silva a clear indication of the player’s readiness for the new season.
From Forest’s perspective, the debut of Jair Cunha was a significant moment. The summer signing was tasked with anchoring the defense in a back three alongside Morato and Carmo, providing a solid foundation for the young side. Nuno Espirito Santo’s decision to start several academy players reflected his commitment to blending youthful energy with experienced leadership, as seen with midfielder Ryan Yates’ presence in the middle of the park.
Despite the youthful starting lineup, Forest showed resilience and tactical discipline throughout the game. However, Fulham’s experience and clinical finishing ultimately made the difference. Silva’s strategy of rotating 21 players ensured that his squad remained fresh and competitive, while also allowing him to evaluate the fitness and form of his entire roster ahead of a busy pre-season schedule.
Following this encounter, both teams have another set of pre-season fixtures lined up for Wednesday, July 30, 2025. Fulham will face Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad, while Nottingham Forest are set to take on Primeira Liga club Estoril Praia. These matches will continue to provide vital match practice and tactical refinement as both sides edge closer to the start of the Premier League season.
Nottingham Forest’s summer preparations have been marked by a focus on integrating new signings and giving promising academy players a chance to impress. Morgan Gibbs-White, a key playmaker for Forest, joined the Portugal camp later in the week after attending to a personal matter in the UK. The England international remains a subject of transfer speculation, with Tottenham Hotspur reportedly interested in his services. Gibbs-White was named on the bench for the Fulham friendly, signaling his ongoing role in the squad.
The bench for Forest also included other notable players such as Matz Sels, Neco Williams, Ibrahim Sangare, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Elliot Anderson, Chris Wood, Igor Jesus, Willy Boly, Nikola Milenkovic, Ola Aina, and Zach Abbott. This depth reflects Nuno Espirito Santo’s strategy of blending youth with seasoned professionals, ensuring a balanced squad capable of competing on multiple fronts.
Fulham’s victory in this friendly adds to their positive momentum during the pre-season. Marco Silva’s side has now secured three wins, building confidence and cohesion ahead of their competitive fixtures. The inclusion of 21 players in the match also highlights the manager’s intent to maintain a competitive environment within the squad, fostering healthy competition for starting roles.
The match also provided a platform for young talents on both sides to showcase their abilities. Nottingham Forest’s academy players, given valuable minutes, gained experience against a Premier League opponent, which will be crucial for their development. Meanwhile, Fulham’s squad depth was tested and proven effective, with Wilson’s goals serving as a highlight.
Looking ahead, both clubs will aim to carry the lessons learned from this friendly into their upcoming matches. Fulham’s clash with Al-Ittihad and Forest’s game against Estoril Praia will offer further opportunities to refine tactics and assess player fitness. These fixtures are critical in shaping the squads’ readiness for the demanding Premier League season that lies ahead.
Overall, the friendly at Estadio de Sao Luis provided an engaging and productive encounter between two Premier League sides eager to hit the ground running. The blend of youth and experience, coupled with strategic rotation by both managers, set the tone for a promising season. Fans will be keen to see how these preparations translate into performances once the competitive action begins.
As the pre-season unfolds, the focus remains on building form, fitness, and team chemistry. For Fulham and Nottingham Forest, these matches are more than just friendlies; they are vital stepping stones towards a successful 2025-26 campaign. With key players like Harry Wilson and new signings such as Jair Cunha making their mark, both clubs have reasons to be optimistic about the road ahead.
