Nottingham Forest latest news as Steve Cooper’s Reds prepare for a Premier League clash at Elland Road.
Nottingham Forest manager Steve Cooper must make a big decision ahead of a crucial game.
After his team put in a strong performance against Wolverhampton Wanderers, their best in a long time, but only managed a point, he must decide whether to stick or twist. Should the XI that performed well at the City Ground be retained, or should the starting lineup be changed?
Several players were questionable for Saturday’s 1-1 draw, including Serge Aurier, Ryan Yates, and Gustavo Scarpa. It’s unclear whether the trio will be available for Tuesday’s trip to Leeds United.
Nottingham Forest’s XI vs Leeds United match includes Lodi, Danilo, and Dennis.
Renan Lodi, on the other hand, is very likely to be chosen. After only recently returning from Brazil, the left-back was unable to play at the City Ground.
Harry Toffolo performed admirably in Lodi’s absence, making only his seventh Premier League appearance of the season. On the hour, he was dismissed, with Cooper citing the former Huddersfield Town player’s yellow card and recent injury recovery. Although Toffolo demonstrated his ability to fill in, it would not be surprising if Lodi returns to the side at Elland Road, given his consistency.
On the opposite flank, Neco Williams also played well. Aurier will be eager to construct if he is not fit.
Midfield has been a source of contention for Forest in recent weeks. However, the combination of Danilo, Remo Freuler, and Orel Mangala was effective last time out.
All three insisted on retaining their positions.
Cooper, on the other hand, is keen to manage Danilo carefully, aware that he is a young player who is still getting used to English football.
Yates, who has been a key figure this season, will almost certainly return to the starting lineup. Cheikhou Kouyate returned as a late substitute against Wolves, but after being out for so long, he may not be ready for a start.
Similarly, Taiwo Awoniyi. Having the striker back is a huge boost at a crucial time, but he may need to build up his minutes before being considered for the starting lineup.
At the weekend, the attacking trio of Brennan Johnson, Morgan Gibbs-White, and Emmanuel Dennis caused havoc. Cooper might be tempted to return to them.
Missed opportunities proved costly, however, as the Reds were unable to add to Johnson’s opener. They paid the price when Daniel Podence equalized late in the game.
Cooper’s team had gone seven games without a win, leaving them one point above the relegation zone and the manager under pressure. With Forest’s poor away record to contend with, making the right selection decisions against Leeds is critical.
Forest XI (assuming Yates, Aurier and Scarpa are not fit, and Kouyate and Awoniyi are not ready to start): Navas; Williams, Felipe, Niakhate, Lodi; Danilo, Freuler, Mangala; Johnson, Gibbs-White, Dennis.
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