Steve Cooper’s side boast best opening-weekend record as they await Matchweek 1 opponents

Ahead of the release of the 2022/23 Premier League fixtures at 09:00 BST this Thursday supporters will be eagerly anticipating the identity of their first opponents, and fans of Nottingham Forest will have particular cause for optimism.

Fast-starting Forest

They may have been absent from the Premier League for 23 seasons but Forest will fear no one, whomever they are scheduled to face on 6 August.

Steve Cooper’s side, who returned to the top flight after beating Huddersfield Town in May’s playoff final, boast an excellent opening-day record, having won four of their five Matchweek 1 encounters.

That places them top of the list of current clubs to have played a minimum of five opening-day matches.  

Top-six MW1 records of current clubs

Indeed, Forest are placed third in the all-time list of 50 clubs to have played in the competition.

See: How every club have fared on opening weekend

Given their formidable record in season openers, Manchester United are another team to fear on Matchweek 1.

With a winning ratio of 69 per cent, United have been victorious in 20 of their 29 first matches.

Their credentials as fast starters were displayed emphatically last term, as the Red Devils beat Leeds United 5-1 at Old Trafford.

Indeed, Man Utd’s record of 63 goals in season openers is one they share with Chelsea, who are also the next-closest Matchweek 1 specialists.

Chelsea boast a success rate of 63.33 per cent, winning 19 of their 30 maiden contests.

Also in this series

Part 1: Test your knowledge of opening-day fixtures
Part 2: Promoted clubs will eye history after Fixture Release Day
Part 3: Can Man City avoid another false start?
Part 4: Does another goal fest beckon to kick off 2022/23?
Part 5: Salah targets another opening-weekend goal record
Part 6: Can Klopp extend his unbeaten opening-day record?

Get the 2022/23 fixtures as soon as they come out by downloading the Premier League’s digital calendar.