Head coach Steve Cooper faces some difficult selection selections for Nottingham Forest’s match against Brentford this weekend.
The Reds return to the City Ground on Sunday, hoping to go back to winning ways following defeats at Manchester City and Burnley. Cooper also has some important decisions to make about his starting lineup.
At the Etihad Stadium, the Welshman turned to a back three and packed the midfield in an attempt to stop the defending Premier League champions. His favored strategy appears to be a four-man defense.
It wouldn’t be surprising if Forest went back to that against the Bees. Cooper used a 4-2-3-1 configuration in the 1-1 draw with the Clarets, but he might possibly use a 4-3-3 this time.
Given Nuno Tavares’ injury versus City, it appears that a change at full-back is imminent. If he is ruled out, Ola Aina might return to the left and the fit-again Serge Aurier could start at right-back, though Gonzalo Montiel impressed when he came in against Pep Guardiola’s men.
Last time out, Willy Boly and Moussa Niakhate started at center defense alongside Aurier. Skipper Joe Worrall, on the other hand, will be trying hard to reclaim a spot while the Reds wait for Felipe to make his first appearance of the season as he recovers from a knee injury.Cooper has plenty of alternatives in midfield. Nicolas Dominguez made an impression in his debut last weekend, and it would be unfair to leave him out on Sunday.
Who lines up alongside him is tough to call, however. It could be a game which suits Ryan Yates, with the academy graduate having had to watch from the substitutes’ bench last time out.
It is not an easy decision to make, however, particularly if Forest go with two in the centre of the pitch. Ibrahim Sangare is yet to find his feet following his deadline day move, but needs minutes to help him bed in. Orel Mangala, by contrast, has the experience of last term in the Premier League to draw upon and has made a steady start to the campaign.
