Nottingham Forest vs West Ham team news as Steve Cooper springs selection shock

Nottingham Forest head coach Steve Cooper has named his team for the opening home game of the Premier League season against West Ham.

Cooper makes two changes from the side that lost 2-0 to Newcastle United in their return to the top flight. Out go Jack Colback and Sam Surridge with Orel Mangala making his first start along with Taiwo Awoniyi.

That means Scott McKenna plays despite Steve Cooper saying he was a major doubt in the build-up. Dean Henderson starts in goal with Joe Worrall and Moussa Niakhate joining McKenna in a back three.

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Neco Williams and Harry Toffolo are the wing backs as Mangala joins Lewis O'Brien in the centre of midfield. Awoniyi will be the central striker with Brennan Johnson and Jesse Lingard providing support. Defender Steve Cook is named on the bench having missed the Newcastle game with injury.

Forest: Henderson, Worrall, McKenna, Niakhate, Williams, O'Brien, Mangala, Toffolo, Lingard, Johnson, Awoniyi; Subs: Hennessey, Cook, Biancone, Mbe Soh, Surridge, Mighten, Cafu, L Taylor, Hammond.

Are you happy with the team Cooper has chosen? Have your say in the comments section below

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