Buoyed by a thrilling home win, Nottingham Forest’s next challenge is to pick up some points on the road.
A dramatic victory over Southampton on Monday night boosted the Reds’ survival hopes, lifting them out of the relegation zone with a three-point cushion. But to stay above the dotted line they are likely to need a few more points yet.
Steve Cooper’s side have collected 27 of their 33 points at the City Ground. They came desperately close to bucking their away trend against both Liverpool and Brentford, and will take encouragement from those performances when they head to Chelsea on Saturday.
READ MORE: Forest preparations analysed as 'exciting' potential highlighted
READ MORE: Forest notebook featuring penalty decision and Shelvey situation
The Forest head coach has a big decision to make about how he sets his team up. And he will be hoping Serge Aurier and Renan Lodi both recover from knocks which forced them off against the Saints.
Cooper reverted to a four-man defence for the 4-3 success. That allowed him to add an extra man in midfield while also retaining the dangerous attacking threat of Morgan Gibbs-White, Brennan Johnson and Taiwo Awoniyi, plus Danilo.
He could revert to three at the back at Stamford Bridge, but that could mean disrupting the balance further up the pitch. It is a tough call to make.
If he does change shape, Joe Worrall could come into the back line. Willy Boly made his comeback from a hamstring injury when he came off the bench on Monday, but while it is a boost to have him available again he might not be ready to start against the Blues.
Any doubt over Lodi and/or Aurier would be a concern as the Reds are light on options at full-back. Worrall had to fill in as right-back and then right wing-back when Aurier went off. On the opposite flank, Harry Toffolo would at least be able to slot in for Lodi.
Midfield has previously been a problem area for Forest, but the dynamic of Orel Mangala and Danilo has been working particularly well of late. And although Ryan Yates wasn’t quite at full sharpness on his first start since returning from a shoulder problem, the drive he brings can be a big asset.
Cheikhou Kouyate’s error at Brentford was a costly one, but he will hope to get more minutes before the campaign is out. Cooper could also call upon Remo Freuler if needed in the centre of the pitch, although the energy of Danilo and Mangala, in particular, with Yates now added to the mix, has contributed to improved performances.
At the top end of the pitch, Awoniyi will be full of confidence after his brace, while Johnson and Gibbs-White were also instrumental in the win. It would be a surprise if any changes were made in attack this weekend.
Predicted Forest XI to face Chelsea (assuming Aurier and Lodi are fit): Navas; Aurier, Felipe, Niakhate, Lodi; Danilo, Mangala, Yates; Gibbs-White; Johnson, Awoniyi.
How should Forest line up against Chelsea? Have your say in the comments below
READ NEXT
