Nottingham Forest vs Porto Match Preview, Prediction, Teams, Lineups, How to Watch — Europa League 2025–26

The City Ground in Nottingham becomes the centre of European football on Thursday, April 17, 2026 (21:00 CET / 8:00 PM BST). After a gripping 1-1 first leg at the Estádio do Dragão, Nottingham Forest and Porto are perfectly poised for a knockout thriller in the UEFA Europa League quarter-final second leg — and everything is still to play for.

Nottingham Forest vs Porto Match at a Glance

First Leg Recap & Key Context

William Gomes opened the scoring with a well-worked 11th-minute move, but Martim Fernandes’s unfortunate own goal just two minutes later levelled proceedings. UEFA Nottingham Forest became the first visiting team to stop Porto from winning at the Estádio do Dragão in the Europa League this season. UEFA

Porto’s coach Francesco Farioli admitted his side were “frustrated” — they dominated with 16 shot attempts to Forest’s 6 but couldn’t convert. This second leg at the City Ground is very much Forest’s to lose.

Team News & Injuries

Nottingham Forest Missing: Omari Hutchinson, Ola Aina, John Victor, Jair Cunha, Willy Boly, Nicolò Savona, Chris Wood (all injured)

Porto Missing: Nehuén Pérez, Luuk de Jong, Samuel Aghehowa (all injured). FotMob Martim Fernandes also remains doubtful after being forced off in the first leg.

Porto’s injury crisis upfront means Terem Moffi leads the attack again — a significant handicap away from home.

Predicted Lineups

Nottingham Forest (3-4-2-1): Ortega; Milenkovic, Murillo, Morato; N. Williams, Sangaré, Yates, Hudson-Odoi; Gibbs-White, Ndoye; Igor Jesus

Porto (4-3-3): D. Costa; A. Costa, Bednarek, Kiwior, Sanusi; Fofana, Rosario, Froholdt; Gomes, Moffi, Sainz

Confirm official lineups on the official UEFA Europa League page approximately one hour before kickoff.

How to Watch Nottingham Forest vs Porto

Our Prediction: Nottingham Forest 2–1 Porto (Forest advance)

Forest have already beaten Porto 2-0 at the City Ground this season. Porto’s record in England is abysmal, and with their attack depleted by injuries, Vítor Pereira’s side have everything going for them at home. Igor Jesus — one of the Europa League’s top scorers this season — will be the man to watch. Expect Forest to go through in an electric Nottingham night.

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