Nottingham Forest’s record-breaking summer transfer window continues to spark plenty of debate, particularly on the back of the Reds’ recent run of results.
Ahead of Monday night’s trip to face Leicester City, former Foxes forward Tony Cottee has underlined the challenge facing Forest boss Steve Cooper with a new-look squad. But he also hasn’t ruled out his former club dropping into the Championship, if their form doesn’t improve soon.
Next week’s clash at the King Power Stadium carries much weight for both sides. Cooper’s men will be out to halt a four-match losing streak, while their opponents are currently propping up the table with just one point to their name.
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The Reds head coach admitted before the international break that he is still figuring out his best XI, following the addition of 22 new signings. Such an overhaul was done out of necessity, but Cottee argues it will make a survival mission more difficult.
He told the Daily Mirror, alongside CheekyPunter: "I think the teams that get promoted are always susceptible to relegation aren't they? Obviously Bournemouth, Forest and Fulham, but there's an argument that all of them have made half decent starts, especially Bournemouth since Scott Parker left. Fulham have got results and they have a goalscorer in (Aleksandar) Mitrovic that may well keep them in the Premier League.
"My concern for Forest is that they've got too many players. To sign 20-plus players is ridiculous, in my opinion. I don't understand that philosophy as it is so hard to work out who your best team is, who the best players are, so I think Forest will be bang in trouble."
Nevertheless, Cottee added of Brendan Rodgers’ Foxes: “Leicester, unless there is a change, I'm not saying just the managerial set-up, but a change in form… let's not forget they have a fantastic set of players. They play Forest next and they could get a result then everything changes.
"It's a massive game anyway, with the Midlands rivalry, I think they might well hang on until then. If they win they could go on a run and pick things up. I wouldn't say they are relegation candidates at the moment but if this form carries on there's no question they will go down."
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