Match Preview
The Europa League last-16 tie between Nottingham Forest and FC Midtjylland begins at the City Ground in Nottingham. It’s a matchup with extra edge because these sides have already crossed paths this season, and Midtjylland have shown they can hurt Forest with direct play and set-piece threat.
For Forest, the first leg is about control and maturity. At home, they’ll want quick tempo, strong wing play, and pressure high up the pitch, but they can’t afford to get stretched. In knockout football, one careless transition can flip the entire tie. Expect Forest to push for an early advantage, then manage the game more carefully if they get in front.
Midtjylland arrive as an organised, physical side that rarely panic. They are comfortable without the ball and can turn defensive phases into sharp counters. If they keep the game tight for long spells, they’ll back themselves to take a “live” result back to Denmark for the second leg at MCH Arena.
The key battle may come in midfield and on second balls. If Forest win those duels, they can sustain pressure. If Midtjylland disrupt rhythm and force turnovers, the visitors will create moments—especially from set pieces. This feels like a tie where fine margins decide everything.
TV Broadcast and Livestreams
Broadcast rights vary by country. Check your local sports TV listings and official streaming providers on matchday for confirmed coverage. Kickoff is listed as 20:00 local time in Nottingham.
Match Information
| Date | 12 March 2026 |
|---|---|
| Kick-off Time | 20:00 (Nottingham local time) |
| Venue | City Ground, Nottingham, England |
| Competition | UEFA Europa League 2025/26 – Round of 16 (1st Leg) |
Second leg: 19 March 2026 at MCH Arena in Herning, Denmark.
Odds (1X2)
| Result | Odds |
|---|---|
| 1 Nottingham Forest | 1.50 |
| X Draw | 4.00 |
| 2 FC Midtjylland | 5.50 |
The market leans strongly toward a Forest home win, but first legs can be tricky. If you expect a controlled match, angles like Nottingham Forest to win and Under 3.5 Goals often make sense for knockout openers.
Form and Head-to-Head
| Team | Last 5 Matches |
|---|---|
| Nottingham Forest | ––– –– |
| FC Midtjylland | ––– –– |
Head-to-Head note: The clubs met earlier this Europa League season, and the draw has created a quick rematch in the knockout stage.
Tournament Context
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Stage | Round of 16 – 1st Leg |
| Second Leg | 19 March 2026 – FC Midtjylland vs Nottingham Forest (MCH Arena) |
| What matters | First-leg discipline, avoiding transition mistakes, and set-piece efficiency |
The last-16 draw confirmed this pairing after the knockout round play-offs concluded.
Prediction
Final Score Prediction: Nottingham Forest 2-1 FC Midtjylland
Prediction: Forest should have long spells of pressure at the City Ground, but Midtjylland look capable of landing a punch on the counter or from a dead-ball situation. I’m leaning toward a narrow home win, with the tie still open heading into Denmark. Best picks: Nottingham Forest to win and Under 3.5 Goals.