Sky Bet League Two side Bradford City will travel to the former European champions Nottingham Forest this coming Wednesday, as the EFL Cup’s first round fixtures get underway.

The Bantams were unable to defeat a strong Exeter City side on Saturday, and there travels don’t stop there, as Adams' side make the trip to Nottingham on Wednesday.

Chris Hughton’s side didn’t have the desired start to this season’s Championship, with a late goal from Kyle McFadzean meaning that Coventry City defeated the Forest by two goals to one.

Bradford will be hoping to begin a run like they did in 2013, as the Bantams de defeated the likes of Arsenal and Aston Villa to defy the odds and reach the final, but a merciless Swansea City side thumped Bradford in the heaviest ever EFL Cup final result.

  • Team news

After a close game on Sunday, Nottingham Forest may turn to new signing Ethan Horvath to make first start for the club, replacing the ever-reliable Brice Samba.

Joe Worrall looks likely to miss the match with a calf injury.

Despite ongoing rumours with regards to his departure from the City Ground, Jordan Gabriel may still feature.

Young midfielder Tyrese Fornah may be granted his first Nottingham Forest start of the season after making the bench on Sunday.

Bradford were hit with an unfortunate injury during Saturday’s draw with Exeter, as defender Oscar Threlkeld departed the pitch after picking up a knock that will require an assessment.

Yann Songo’o also looks likely to miss the game through injury, as he did with Exeter, but Caolan Lavery may push to make the bench after being denied his chance on Saturday.

Reece Staunton may also return to the bench after his absence on Saturday, but with a right-back absent in the form of Threlkeld, Levi Sutton may drop to defence to allow space for Ollie Crankshaw or Charles Vernam to push for a start.

  • Predicted lineups

Nottingham Forest: Horvath; Gabriel, Soh, McKenna, Bong, Yates, Fornah, Lolley, Johnson, Mighten, Taylor.

Bradford City: O’Donnell; Sutton, O’Connor, Canavan, Ridehalgh, Watt, Cooke, Gilliead, Vernam, Angol, Cook.

  • Ones to watch

Brennan Johnson

20-year-old Johnson has been linked with Premier League clubs this summer, so it was no surprise on Sunday to see him grab such a fantastic assist.

His major contribution to Lyle Taylor’s opener was absolutely class, and it shows just how crucial a player of Johnson’s quality is to Nottingham Forest, an academy product who can come into a game and make the difference.

Whilst he was tearing League One apart last season with Lincoln City, Bradford fans will be aware of the danger he possesses, and may hope Hughton rests his star man to avoid a drilling from the dazzling attacking midfielder.

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Niall Canavan

The club captain of Bradford and a stalwart on and off of the pitch, Canavan was instrumental in keeping a clean sheet on Saturday.

Partnering Paudie O’Connor at the back, Canavan and O’Connor have formed a solid partnership and even managed to keep out Exeter’s Matt Jay on Saturday, a player who is known for being clinical in front of goal.

With the talent that Forest possess, Canavan will have to be at his best to keep out the fire power of Taylor, Johnson and the tricky Alex Mighten if Bradford are to have a chance of reaching the second round.

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  • The officiating 

Referee: Peter Wright

Assistant referees: Wayne Grunnill/Billy Smallwood

Fourth official: Tom Reeves

  • Previous meeting

It’s quite the rare occurrence for these two sides to lock horns, with the last contest coming 11 years ago.

And Bradford will be looking to replicate this on Wednesday, as it was a 2-1 victory to the Bantams thanks to goals from James Hanson and Dave Syers, who both now play in the Vanarama National League North with Farsley Celtic. The Forest goal scorer on the day was Matt Thornhill, in a team which consisted of the likes of Paul Anderson, Guy Moussi and Wes Morgan.

  • How to watch

This game is a 19:45 BST kick-off, but unfortunately cannot be watched in the UK. However, it can be watched internationally through the clubs' streaming services on their website. Tickets are also still available for the match, however pay on the gate is not permitted due to COVID-19 restrictions.