Nottingham Forest vs Tottenham: De Zerbi’s Spurs under pressure as Glasner seeks first win

Nottingham Forest and Tottenham Hotspur meet at the City Ground on Saturday with both clubs searching for their first Premier League victory of the season, but the pressure surrounding the two sides could hardly feel more different.

For Nottingham Forest, the mood has improved after a difficult opening defeat against Leeds United. Oliver Glasner’s team responded with a disciplined and energetic display at Anfield last weekend, twice taking the lead against Liverpool before eventually settling for a 2-2 draw. The point did not solve every problem, but it showed Forest’s ability to compete against elite opposition and gave the squad a platform to build on.

Tottenham, meanwhile, arrive in Nottingham needing a response. Roberto De Zerbi’s side have lost their opening two Premier League matches, conceding three goals at Brentford before a 2-0 home defeat against Newcastle United. The most concerning statistic is the attacking one: Spurs are still waiting for their first league goal of the campaign.

For Tottenham, this is no longer only about finding a first win — it is about proving that a summer of major investment is beginning to produce a coherent team.

The club made significant changes during the transfer window, adding several attacking and defensive options, but De Zerbi’s side have so far struggled to turn possession and promising moments into decisive actions in the final third. Their defeat against Newcastle was another example of a team creating opportunities without finding the final touch.

Forest, by contrast, have already shown a clearer identity under Glasner. Their performance at Anfield demonstrated defensive organisation and attacking threat in transition, with Dan Ndoye and Morgan Gibbs-White both playing important roles in a match where they pushed Liverpool throughout.

The fixture also carries additional significance because both managers are still shaping their squads. Glasner is attempting to establish stability after major summer changes, while De Zerbi is trying to integrate a heavily rebuilt Tottenham group under immediate expectation.

Historically, Tottenham have enjoyed some success in recent meetings, but current form makes Saturday’s contest difficult to predict. Forest have momentum after earning their first point, while Spurs have the greater pressure and the stronger need for a result.

The City Ground therefore becomes a test of mentality as much as quality. Forest want confirmation that their performance level can translate into results; Tottenham need evidence that their new project is moving in the right direction.

A draw would likely feel like progress for Forest. For Spurs, anything short of a victory would increase the scrutiny around De Zerbi and a squad expected to compete at a much higher level.