Last season saw Norwich City begin the Premier League with games against Liverpool and Manchester City - and we all know what happened from there. With that in mind, it was a source of relief that Nottingham Forest's opening fixtures are not that bad, although they are certainly daunting.
After all, no one wants this to a one season stay in the Premier League after 23 years away. The Reds will begin their season at mega rich Newcastle United on August 8, before hosting West Ham in their first home game. A trip to Everton follows before back-to-back games against Tottenham and Man City. That is a tough start no doubt, but if Forest can take four points from their opening six games, opportunities do open up as they face Bournemouth, Leeds and Fulham in consecutive matches, with two of those at home. These are the kinds of games they probably have to win the majority of.
By then, the first international break of the season, we should have some idea of the trajectory of the campaign. After that, the Midlands mini league kicks in with matches against Leicester City, Aston Villa and Wolves - all games where Forest can take at least a point.
