Head coach Steve Cooper has been very candid in discussing the challenges of getting to know his strongest Nottingham Forest XI after a dressing room overhaul.
A settled side was a key feature of the Reds’ promotion success last season, with very few changes made week to week as the team built up momentum. Working with a new-look group of players means Cooper hasn’t yet reached that point this time around.
Injuries haven’t helped, but the turnover in personnel has left the Welshman still figuring out his most effective combinations. "What we've got to do is try to quickly build our bank of knowledge on these players,” he has said. “And they've got to do the same on each other and us, so that whoever we decide to play, there is a connection.”
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Picking Forest’s best side when everyone is fit is not easy, and it will vary depending on the opposition and whether games are at home or away. It also depends on whether Cooper decides to change formation in a bid to stop a miserable run of form. Nevertheless, we’ve taken a look at the options.
Goalkeeper
There’s no debate over who should be between the posts. Dean Henderson is first-choice and has made a fine start to the season.
Defence
Cooper has generally stuck with a three-man defence, but, for the time being at least, there is an argument for switching to a four-man back line to help tighten things up. Either way, when he is fit, Moussa Niakhate is likely to be one of the first names on the team-sheet, having impressed early on.
Loic Bade has yet to get the chance to show what he can do, while it’s tough to judge Willy Boly based on a difficult debut against Fulham. Joe Worrall, Scott McKenna and Steve Cook were key figures and rock-solid as the Reds clinched their place in the top-flight, but have all endured difficult moments so far.
Wing-backs/full-backs
Serge Aurier will hope to get a taste of the action soon, having become Forest’s 22nd signing when he made the move as a free agent. He has a significant task on his hands unseating Neco Williams on the right, however.
When all three left-backs are fit, it is harder to pick who should start on the opposite flank.
Injury has prevented Omar Richards from staking his claim, but he is making progress in his recovery. And his absence paved the way for Renan Lodi’s arrival as the club didn’t want to be left short. The Brazilian has done okay so far and has held down his place, despite Harry Toffolo having done little wrong.
Midfield
In some games, Forest’s strongest line-up might be one which has an extra man in the centre of the pitch, rather than the two which has generally been favoured up until now. It is an area where Cooper has plenty of options.
Orel Mangala would likely be included in any strongest XI when he has recovered from a hamstring injury; he has been missed while on the sidelines. Lewis O’Brien, too, has been among the top performers early on.
Remo Freuler has not quite hit his stride a few games in, but has shown glimpses of his class. Ryan Yates has had his critics as he adjusts to the Premier League but shouldn’t be written off, while Cheikhou Kouyate and Jack Colback will also have a role to play.
Attack
The Reds have plenty of quality in their ranks, but have sometimes looked disjointed as players get used to working with each other. However, there’s no question they need to find a way of getting more goals from the side.
Fielding Jesse Lingard, Brennan Johnson and Morgan Gibbs-White as a three, without an out-and-out striker, might not have yielded returns, but the trio have linked up well at times. It might be something to return to further down the line, but in the meantime, having a focal point up front seems beneficial.
Taiwo Awoniyi is still bedding in, and Forest have not always played to his strengths, but he does have two goals to his name. Emmanuel Dennis has been bright from off the bench, however, while Sam Surridge is arguably the most natural finisher at the club.
Forest’s strongest XI when everyone is fit: Henderson; Worrall, Niakhate, McKenna; Williams, Mangala, O’Brien, Lodi; Gibbs-White; Johnson, Awoniyi.
What do you think is Forest's strongest line-up? Have your say in the comments below
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