Nottingham Forest head coach Steve Cooper could have a significant problem to solve when it comes to picking his team for Friday night’s clash with Newcastle United.
Top scorer Brennan Johnson was forced off in the second half of last Saturday’s 3-1 defeat at Tottenham Hotspur with a groin strain. The Wales international was set to have a scan this week to determine the extent of the injury, but if he is sidelined for any length of time, it would be a huge blow for the Reds.
And if he is unavailable to take on the Magpies, Cooper has a big decision to make over how to set up his attack. It is an area of the pitch where Forest have been particularly hit by injuries of late, with Taiwo Awoniyi still out of action and Chris Wood having picked up a thigh problem in north London.
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After a poor first half against Spurs, the visitors improved in the second with a tweak to formation and a change in personnel. Jesse Lingard did little to stake his claim for a second successive start, so it could be that Cooper utilises Emmanuel Dennis and/or Andre Ayew at the City Ground as both came on after the break last time out.
Meanwhile, plenty of fans would like to see Sam Surridge given a chance. The 24-year-old has not got on the pitch since coming off the bench against West Ham United, having been left out of the squad completely at Tottenham.
Cooper also has a dilemma in midfield. The Reds have been struggling to get a grip on games in the centre of the pitch of late. Finding the right combination is proving tricky.
If Ryan Yates is fit enough to start on Friday, that would be a massive boost. He has been a big miss.
That he played an hour for the Under-21s on Monday is hopefully a positive sign. Assuming he is ready, he would no doubt come straight into the senior XI.
Orel Mangala was included in the line-up last weekend, coming in for Jack Colback, but was hooked at half-time after a difficult 45 minutes. Remo Freuler has also suffered a dip in form, so Cooper could always consider making a couple of changes in that area, with Colback no doubt keen to return against his former club.
Striking a balance between making sure Forest are solid against a Newcastle side in the top six and ensuring there is sufficient attacking threat to get a result will not be easy. With the gap to the relegation places cut to two points, there is plenty riding on Cooper getting the selection right in his side’s final game before the international break.
Predicted Forest XI (if Johnson is not fit and Yates can start): Navas; Aurier, Worrall, Felipe, Lodi; Yates, Shelvey, Freuler; Gibbs-White, Surridge, Dennis.
How should Forest line up against Newcastle? Have your say in the comments below
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