Hotels for Nottingham Forest v Sunderland

Two clubs with long histories in English football and a shared history of promotion and relegation battles meet in a fixture that always carries needle beyond the league position. Expect a full matchday build-up around the ground for hours before kick-off, with pubs and fan zones busy well in advance. Away fans travel in numbers for this one, and the atmosphere inside reflects it.

Nottingham Forest's most remarkable years came under Brian Clough, who arrived in 1975 and built, from a mid-table Second Division side, a first-ever English league title in 1977-78 followed by back-to-back European Cup wins. Forest lifted the trophy in 1979 and retained it in 1980, beating Hamburg 1-0 in the final in Madrid on a goal from John Robertson.

Sometimes known as the Tricky Trees, Forest's City Ground sits on the banks of the Trent, and that Clough-era run of success remains the high-water mark the club has spent decades since trying to recapture.

Nottingham Forest's home sits on the banks of the River Trent, one of English football's most characterful settings, with Trent Bridge cricket ground almost directly across the water. The riverside location is a pleasant pre-match walk, with pubs and green space close by, and the city centre a short stroll over the bridge.

Nottingham station and the tram are within easy reach. Staying in the centre lets you enjoy the riverside atmosphere and avoid the crowds pressing onto transport at full time.