The latest Nottingham Forest headlines on Tuesday, April 4.
Cooper reveals Marinakis meeting
Head coach Steve Cooper says there has been no change to his relationship with Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis amid speculation about his future, writes Sarah Clapson.
The Welshman has come under pressure on the back of a seven-match winless run which has left the Reds teetering on the edge of the relegation zone. They sit just one point above the bottom three ahead of Tuesday night’s clash at Leeds United.
Marinakis watched on from the City Ground stands as Forest threw away a lead to draw 1-1 with Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday. The match also saw a significant show of support from a fanbase which remains, overwhelmingly, behind Cooper.
The Reds boss insists he doesn’t pay any attention to outside talk about his position - just as was the case when he was being linked with other clubs. He met the owner in London last week, and says they continue to have “normal” conversations.
“I speak to the owner regularly,” Cooper said. “I met him in London last Tuesday, which is not abnormal, it’s something that happens, not every week, but more than occasionally. It was a normal meeting, in terms of how it went."
Injury update provided
Midfielder Ryan Yates has been ruled out of Nottingham Forest’s clash with Leeds United on Tuesday night as injuries continue to limit head coach Steve Cooper’s options.
The 25-year-old remains sidelined with the shoulder problem which forced him off in the 2-1 defeat to Newcastle United before the international break. Meanwhile, right-back Serge Aurier and midfielder Gustavo Scarpa are doubts for the midweek clash, having also missed out against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The Reds’ 2-2 draw on Saturday has left them one point above the bottom three going into the midweek match at Elland Road. Leeds are one point below them as the battle for survival proves to be one of the tightest in recent memory.
Predicted Forest XI
Ahead of a crucial game, Nottingham Forest head coach Steve Cooper faces a big decision.
After his team put in a positive display against Wolverhampton Wanderers - their best for some time - but had to settle for just a point, he must decide whether to stick or twist. Keep the XI which played well at the City Ground or tweak the line-up?
Several players were fitness doubts for Saturday’s 1-1 draw, with Serge Aurier, Ryan Yates and Gustavo Scarpa not involved. It remains to be seen whether the trio are available for Tuesday night’s trip to Leeds United.
Leeds injury news
Leeds United have three injury doubts for their clash with Nottingham Forest at Elland Road on Tuesday evening.
Both teams remain locked in a fiercely contested relegation battle with the Reds just a point above Leeds in the Premier League table. The Whites are only outside of the bottom three on goal difference.
Both teams suffered disappointing results at the weekend with the Reds throwing away a 1-0 lead to draw 1-1 against Wolves on Saturday. At the same time, Leeds were thrashed 4-1 at the Emirates against league leaders Arsenal.
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