There will be much riding on the Nottingham Forest team selection for next week’s crunch clash with Aston Villa.
The Reds go into the match at the City Ground needing to arrest a dismal run of five straight defeats. Monday’s 4-0 thumping at Leicester City left them propping up the Premier League table, having banked four points from their first eight games.
Head coach Steve Cooper’s job came under threat on the back of a miserable evening at the King Power Stadium. He will be in charge against Villa, with the club’s board agreeing he deserves more time to get a new-look squad to gel - but he still remains under pressure.
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Getting his line-up right next Monday night, in a bid to turn the tide, will be crucial. Some of those who contributed to an improved second half performance against the Foxes will hope they have done enough to stake their claim.
However, Cooper will be wary of making too many changes. A significant problem for Forest is a lack of cohesion as a consequence of the summer overhaul; partnerships need the chance to develop.
Perhaps the head coach’s biggest decision will be over what formation to go with. A three-man defence has generally been his preferred option, but he went with a four last time out - albeit with the same end result.
The Reds were still porous at the back against their near-neighbours. They need to find a way to stem the flow.
Various combinations have been tried. Steve Cook and Scott McKenna got the nod previously, but it was not the most comfortable of nights. Meanwhile, Willy Boly did little to catch the eye when he made his debut against Fulham.
Skipper Joe Worrall has been left out of the XI for the last two games, but Forest did look better when he was brought on against the Cottagers. He will be well aware how much this match means, too.
Who plays in midfield is equally as important. There is certainly a case for going with three across the centre of the pitch, to give the back line better protection. The Reds have been overrun in recent games.
Cheikhou Kouyate was not convincing on Monday. Lewis O’Brien had a tough night as well, but has stood out previously.
Remo Freuler is yet to really get into his stride, although did contribute to a better second half at the King Power. As did Ryan Yates - and, as with Worrall, Cooper could opt to go with players he knows best and who know his way of playing.
If Orel Mangala is fit enough, he must surely be in contention to start. Forest will not want to take any risks, however, after he made his comeback from a hamstring injury as a substitute.
Be it as wing-backs or full-backs, a change could also be considered on the flanks. Both Neco Williams and Renan Lodi were exposed defensively in the 4-0 defeat. Harry Toffolo could consider himself a little unfortunate to have lost out to Lodi in the first place, having done little wrong, while Serge Aurier gave a decent account of himself when he replaced Williams at half-time.
Going forward, Cooper needs to find a way of getting the best out of the attacking players at his disposal. He will have a call to make over Jesse Lingard, who returned to the XI against Leicester but was at fault for one of the goals with a poor clearance. Is it possible to accommodate the former Manchester United man, Brennan Johnson and Morgan Gibbs-White in the same side?
Predicted Forest XI: Henderson; Worrall, Cook, McKenna; Williams, Yates, O’Brien, Lodi; Gibbs-White; Johnson, Awoniyi.
How should Forest line up against Villa? Have your say in the comments below
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