Nottingham Forest suffered defeat for the first time since the opening day of the season yesterday when Wigan Athletic ran out 1-0 victors over Sabri Lamouchi’s team.
The Reds weren’t at their fluent best and the French manager’s decision to make five changes from the win over Brentford backfired with a disappointing performance.
Forest do have two home games on the trot to try and put things right. Hull City arrive at the City Ground on Wednesday, with Reading on the agenda for Saturday.
Lamouchi will probably freshen things up again for the visit of the Tigers, with the likes of Lewis Grabban, Tiago Silva and Joao Carvalho all competing to return to the team.
One man who must surely be close to earning another chance to impress in Lamouchi’s team is Albert Adomah.
The experienced winger arrived on a free transfer during the summer after his Aston Villa contract expired following last season. Since checking in on Trentside, however, he has started just three league games.
Despite scoring important goals against Charlton and Preston, as well as against Derby County in the Carabao Cup, the 31-year-old has been forced to operate as an impact substitute.
It is perhaps a sign of the times in terms of squad depth that Adomah has been forced into playing a peripheral role. Forest’s first defeat in 10, however, might give Lamouchi chance to take stock and realise the importance of the man who played 19 times for Ghana.
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Adomah boasts 383 Championship appearances and he has the expertise that could be significant in the club’s quest to win promotion this season.
Forest have Joe Lolley operating on one flank and given his matchwinning qualities he is one of the first names on the team sheet. The place on the other side is very much up for grabs, however.
Sammy Ameobi has featured there and yesterday Yuri Ribeiro was utilised in a more advanced position. In recent weeks, Carvalho has also been tried as a left-winger.
Experience
Playing the ex-Bolton man out wide makes sense as he’s something of a natural. Using a player out of position, however, represents a firm kick in the teeth for Adomah.
It’s easy to start suggesting changes to the team after a loss but so far this season Adomah has been vastly underused by Lamouchi.
He has shown during his brief cameo appearances that he is capable of being a success at this level still and with two home games coming up, he will hope to get the chance to shine from the start.
Not since the Swansea game at the start of September has Adomah graced the pitch from the start.
Given that he appears to have fallen down the pecking order somewhat, he will surely hope to take his chance with a convincing performance when his next one comes along.
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