The World Cup break may have come at a time when Nottingham Forest were just starting to build up a bit of momentum, but boss Steve Cooper will still be aiming to use this period to his advantage.
The Reds signed off with a 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace which moved them off the foot of the table, and which came immediately after an impressive Carabao Cup triumph over Tottenham Hotspur. The signs were pointing to a corner being turned, after a tough start to life back in the top tier.
A summer overhaul had posed particular challenges. With 22 signings made, players needed time to gel and to get to know each other, and the manager needed time to get to know his best team.
