It’s all to play for as Nottingham Forest prepare for their final three games of the Championship season.
The Reds have already guaranteed themselves a top-six finish. But going one better and clinching an automatic promotion spot is a real possibility.
Victory over Fulham on Tuesday night, coupled with Bournemouth drawing at Swansea City, moved Steve Cooper’s side to within three points of the Cherries. That clash between the two teams on the south coast next week suddenly got a little bit more spicy.
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But before then, Forest have to focus on Saturday’s match against the Swans - their final home fixture of the regular season. And the head coach must decide whether to stick or twist with a winning XI.
Cooper’s decision may be guided by how his players came through an exhausting midweek encounter. Goalscorer Philip Zinckernagel and Jack Colback both looked to pick up knocks and were substituted at Craven Cottage.
If there is any doubt over Colback, January signing Richie Laryea will have hoped to push his case for inclusion with a promising cameo appearance. Tuesday was the Canada international’s second run-out for the club since putting pen to paper, and he caught the eye by setting up a chance for Brennan Johnson late on.
Laryea is able to play at right or left-back. He played on the right in the capital, though, with Djed Spence switching flanks as a result.
Cooper also has a call to make on his three-man defence. At Fulham, Steve Cook made his first start since recovering from an ankle injury. He put in a sterling performance alongside Joe Worrall and Scott McKenna, keeping 41-goal man Aleksandar Mitrovic quiet. However, Tobias Figueiredo had been excellent in Cook’s absence, and could perhaps feel hard done by at losing his place.
The Reds will be without Lewis Grabban against Cooper’s old club. The striker is set to miss at least the next two games with a hamstring problem, while Keinan Davis also remains sidelined.
Sam Surridge and Brennan Johnson will most likely keep their places up front for the weekend. But a reshuffle could be needed if there is a question mark over Zinckernagel, perhaps with Joe Lolley getting a start. James Garner could also be pushed further forward if needed, possibly bringing Cafu into midfield.
Predicted Forest XI: Samba; Worrall, Cook, McKenna; Spence, Yates, Garner, Colback; Zinckernagel; Johnson, Surridge.
