McKenna blow, Niakhate move, striker dilemma:…

McKenna blow, Niakhate move, striker dilemma: Nottingham Forest predicted XI vs West Ham

Nottingham Forest were well beaten by Newcastle United in their first Premier League game of the season as they were given a clear lesson in the step up in class they face.

It took two world class finishes to beat the Reds, but Eddie Howe's men controlled the game as 2-0 proved to be a more than fair scoreline. Forest feel they had their moments though as they prepare for their first home game of the season against West Ham United on Sunday.

Here, we look at how Steve Cooper might line his team up and any tactical changes he could make at the City Ground.

Goalkeeper and defence

Dean Henderson obviously starts in goal after looking good against Newcastle. How Forest line-up in front of Henderson will be interesting after it was revealed both Steve Cook and Scott McKenna could miss the game - Cook certainly will. There was already a case to be made for moving Moussa Niakhate to the left side of the back three so he can use his pace in support of Harry Toffolo against Jarrod Bowen, if the forward drifts out to the Hammers' right wing.

Now Giulian Biancone should make his debut on the right of a back three with skipper Joe Worrall moving to the middle.

Midfield

Jack Colback played pretty well against Newcastle, but this was probably Forest's biggest area of concern in the opening game as they struggled to retain the ball and lost the physical battle.

If fit after a knee injury, Ryan Yates could have added steel to the midfield in a battle with Declan Rice and Tomas Soucek. However, he is out, meaning Colback could keep place with Lewis O'Brien missing out this time. Orel Mangala should make his full debut as Forest will need his ability on the ball and energy in midfield. Neco Williams and Harry Toffolo will remain the wing-backs.

Attack

Once again, there is a debate over who starts through the middle with Sam Surridge getting the nod over Taiwo Awoniyi at St James' Park. Both offer different things and the final decision might well rest on how Cooper approaches the game with Awoniyi offering pace and runs in behind, while Surridge is appears to be better with subtle movement and trying to bring others into play.

Jesse Lingard will grab the headlines considering his former loan club are the opponents. Much will be expected of him and Brennan Johnson to make their mark on the game.

Predicted XI: Henderson; Biancone, Worrall, Niakhate; Williams, Colback, Mangala, Toffolo; Lingard, Johnson, Surridge.

Do you agree? Who would make your starting XI? Let us know in the comments section.

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