Nottingham Forest return to European knockout action at the City Ground tonight, seeking revenge against a Midtjylland team who beat them 3-2 in October.
Vitor Pereira’s men overcame a tough play-off against Fenerbahce to reach the last 16, but their domestic form has plummeted since then. They have not won in four games and are just three points clear of the relegation zone.
Igor Jesus has seven Europa League goals this season, a new club record, but will need the service of Morgan Gibbs-White. The Tricky Trees will not feature Chris Wood, Willy Boly and Nicolo Savona.
Midtjylland was the surprise of the Europa League league phase, finishing third in the 36-team table with 19 points from eight games, winning six and losing only once (away from Rome). Mike Tullberg’s side are unbeaten in five games in all competitions and have a formidable record against English clubs, having beaten Forest, Manchester United and Southampton in recent years.
They will be without top scorer Franculino and winger Darío Osorio, but former Premier League pair Kevin Mbabu and Philip Billing are expected to start.
In a tie where Forest desperately need a lead from the first leg, new customers can get even more value this week with Bally Bet, getting £30 in free bets after placing a qualifying bet.
Get even more value with Bally Bet
New customers can get this bonus by registering, opting into the free bet offer before depositing and placing a qualifying bet of £10 at odds of 1/2 (1.5) or better within 30 days. Once settled, 3 free bets of £10, valid for 30 days, will be credited to your account.
As Forest chase their first European quarter-final in three decades, prepare for a tense night under the lights of the City Ground, with the second leg in Denmark and a shot at continental glory awaiting.
Can Forest improve on their home form?
Historically, Forest have won 65% of their first-leg ties in major European competitions, but their current home record is alarming, with just one win in eight at the City Ground.
- Nottingham Forest winner
- Both teams will score
Midtjylland have failed to win their last two away games in Europe and are missing their top scorer, but they have shown they can hurt Forest on their own turf. The hosts’ desperation for a positive result should see them overcome a goal-filled first leg, but their defensive fragility means the Danes will likely get a valuable away goal.
Understanding the offer
How to claim:
- Register as a new Bally Bet customer ahead of Nottingham Forest vs Midtjylland (18+, UK only)
- Sign up for the Free Bets promotion before making your first deposit
- Deposit £10 or more and place a qualifying bet of at least £10 at odds of 1/2 (1.5) or more within 30 days.
- Your 3 £10 free bets will be credited after your qualifying bet is settled
You will get:
- 3 free bets of £10 (£30 in total)
- Valid for 30 days from credit.
- Usable in any sports betting market.
- Free bets not returned with winnings
Key terms and conditions of this Bally Bet offer
✅ Qualifying bet must be placed within 30 days of deposit
✅Minimum odds of 1/2 (1.5) apply to qualifying bet
✅ Free bets expire after 30 days
✅ Certain payment methods excluded (Neteller, PayPal, Skrill, prepaid cards)
✅ Cashed or voided bets do not qualify
✅ One free bet token per bet slip
🔎 Read more about the 2025/26 football season
About the author
nathan hill
Nathan Hill is an experienced sports journalist who obsessively follows football, both round ball and American, as well as other sports such as F1, basketball, darts and snooker.
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