Nottingham Forest head coach Steve Cooper has named his team to face Barnsley in today’s pre-season friendly.
The match at Oakwell is the Reds’ third run-out of the summer as they continue their preparations for the Premier League campaign. They lost 3-1 to Coventry City in their first game, at the end of a week-long training camp in Spain, then beat Burton Albion 1-0 on Tuesday night.
New signings Taiwo Awoniyi, Dean Henderson, Giulian Biancone and Moussa Niakhate played in the first two games. But fans have yet to get a glimpse of latest arrivals Omar Richards, Neco Williams and Wayne Hennessey, with the latter putting pen to paper yesterday.
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Williams makes the starting XI against the Tykes, while Brennan Johnson gets his first run-out of the summer. The latter was among the international contingent given a little extra time off, due to the quick turnaround.
Henderson continues in goal for the match at Barnsley, with the back three of Joe Worrall, Steve Cook and Moussa Niakhate in front of him. Williams and Biancone take up the wing-back roles.
With Ryan Yates sidelined due to a knee injury, Cafu and Jack Colback take up the midfield spots. Oli Hammond continues in the number 10 role, supporting Johnson and Awoniyi.
Forest have three weeks to go before their top-flight return. They make the trip to Newcastle United for their opening game on August 6.
Forest starting XI: Henderson; Worrall, Cook, Niakhate; Biancone, Cafu, Colback, Williams; Hammond, Johnson, Awoniyi.
Who are you looking forward to seeing in action? Have your say in the comments below
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