Turf Moor is the venue for an opening day clash of two sides who feature prominently in the Championship betting, despite Billy Davies's protestations that his squad is currently weaker than it was last season.
Burnley in contrast have added a number of players to those relegated from the top-flight and have a manager with something to prove himself.
Former Forest full-back Brian Laws was in charge of two clubs last season who both ended the campaign a division lower than they started it.
After a league cup trip to Bradford, the Reds face a promoted Leeds United side raring to make their mark back in the Championship.
The loss of star striker Jermaine Beckford to Everton and his potential replacements have been the talking point at Elland Road over the summer with Billy Paynter, a new arrival from Swindon, set to miss the start of the season.
The Whites looked impressive however in their final warm-up game, beating Wolves 3-1 and maybe better suited to life in a higher division after the 46-game slog that is a League One campaign.
Forest's next game is an away trip to the Madejski Stadium where Brian McDermott is preparing for his first full season in charge of Reading after inspiring a remarkable upturn in fortunes while in caretaker charge.
The Royals have done minimal business in the transfer market with McDermott happy to add just a couple of players to the squad who ended last season with the unlikeliest of top ten finishes.
Another promoted side travel to the City Ground to end the month and Norwich City are being tipped by many to enjoy another good campaign, with manager Paul Lambert continuing to carve out a managerial reputation to go alongside his glittering playing career.
Carrow Road will be full for every Canaries game and after notching 95 points in League One, City have added some interesting signings in the shape of midfielder Andrew Surman from Wolves and Gillingham striker Simeon Jackson.