Ahead of a crucial game, Nottingham Forest head coach Steve Cooper faces a big decision.
After his team put in a positive display against Wolverhampton Wanderers - their best for some time - but had to settle for just a point, he must decide whether to stick or twist. Keep the XI which played well at the City Ground or tweak the line-up?
Several players were fitness doubts for Saturday’s 1-1 draw, with Serge Aurier, Ryan Yates and Gustavo Scarpa not involved. It remains to be seen whether the trio are available for Tuesday night’s trip to Leeds United.
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However, it is likely Renan Lodi will be up for selection. The left-back missed out at the City Ground after only just returning from Brazil.
Harry Toffolo did well when handed his chance in Lodi’s place, making only his seventh Premier League start of the campaign. He was brought off on the hour, with Cooper pointing to the former Huddersfield Town man being on a yellow card and having recently recovered from injury. Although Toffolo showed he is capable of stepping in, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Lodi returns to the side at Elland Road, given he has been a regular starter.
Neco Williams, too, had a good game on the opposite flank. If Aurier is not fit, he will be eager to build on that display.
Further up the pitch, midfield has been a problem area for Forest in recent weeks. But the balance between Danilo, Remo Freuler and Orel Mangala was effective last time out.
All three pressed their claim to keep their places. Cooper is keen to manage Danilo carefully, though, conscious of him being a young player who is still getting used to English football.
Whenever Yates returns, he will no doubt come straight back into the side, given he has been a key figure this term. Cheikhou Kouyate made his comeback as a late substitute against Wolves, but having been out for a long period of time he may not be quite ready for a start.
Likewise, Taiwo Awoniyi. Having the striker back is a big boost at a crucial time, but it may be that he needs to build his minutes up before he is contention for the XI.
The attacking trio of Brennan Johnson, Morgan Gibbs-White and Emmanuel Dennis caused plenty of problems at the weekend. Cooper may well be tempted to stick with them again.
Missed chances proved costly, though, as the Reds failed to add to Johnson’s opener. They paid the price when Daniel Podence pegged them back with a late equaliser.
The draw made it seven games without a win for Cooper’s men, leaving them one point above the relegation zone and the manager under pressure. With Forest’s dismal away form added to that, it means there is plenty riding on getting the selection decisions right against Leeds.
Predicted Forest XI (assuming Yates, Aurier and Scarpa are not fit, and Kouyate and Awoniyi are not ready to start): Navas; Williams, Felipe, Niakhate, Lodi; Danilo, Freuler, Mangala; Johnson, Gibbs-White, Dennis.
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