On Wednesday evening, Nottingham Forest B Team will host Sporting CP in the Premier League International Cup.

The club won the competition in the 2024/25 season, beating AS Monaco and Athletic Club on their way to a final against Lyon, who Forest beat on penalties after a goalless draw.

Forest will be hoping for a better campaign in the competition than last season, when their defence of the title ended in a disappointing group stage exit. having won just one of their four games.

Here is what you need to know about Wednesday's game, the competition itself and how Forest are even eligible to compete!

The top 16 from the Premier League 2, the Premier League's U21s league, are invited to participate in the Premier League International Cup, alongside European opposition of varying levels.

In the group stage phase, there are four groups of eight teams, consisting of four PL2 sides and four European sides, who are invited to compete.

Only the top two advance from each group, to form the quarterfinals, with all games hosted by the PL2 side, or at a neutral venue in England if both teams are from Europe.

Matches can be hosted at either a club's main stadium, or an approved secondary stadium, up until the semi-finals and final, when clubs are required to host the tie at their main stadium.

In terms of match format, there are no replays or second legs. If ties are level after 90 minutes in the knockout stages, extra time and, if necessary a penalty shootout, determine the outcome.

Nottingham Forest's B Team did finished 17th in the PL2 last season, finishing outside of the Premier League International Cup places by just a single point.

So that begs the question, how are Forest in the Premier League International Cup this season?

A number of clubs, like Chelsea and Arsenal, declined invitations to compete in this year's edition of the competition.

This paved the way for lower-ranked clubs, including Forest, to take their place, to ensure that there are still 16 English teams involved.

In their opening game, Forest's B Team host Portuguese giants Sporting CP, whose senior team the Reds' first team faced during pre-season.

The game takes place on Wednesday, 30 September at Loughborough University Stadium, with kick-off at 19:00 BST.

No live stream is expected for the game, but supporters can purchase tickets here to cheer on the young Reds in person, for just £5 for adults.