Nottingham Forest travel to Northampton Town this evening as Chris Hughton’s men continue their pre-season campaign.
The Reds have claimed wins over Alfreton Town and Port Vale so far and will be looking to make it three on the spin.
Hughton has entrusted a lot of players during the two fixtures. A mixture of experience and youth have been called upon against lower-league opposition.
Ahead of tonight’s game, we looked at how the Forest boss might start the game at Sixfields.
In goal and back four
Ethan Horvath could get another week to sharpen up so Jordan Smith could continue in goal. He and Brice Samba will probably get 45 minutes each but the academy graduate could start.
At right-back, Jordan Gabriel should start. Forest don’t have much at full-back right now with options pretty limited.
Similarly at left-back, we could see Jayden Richardson continue in that position, despite him being more natural on the right.
At centre-back, Loic Mbe Soh and Baba Fernandes have struck up a decent partnership in pre-season. Both young guns should start once again here.
Midfield
Jack Colback is enjoying a bit of a resurgence in the team and all might not be lost for him at Forest.
He scored in the game against Port Vale on Saturday and is busy giving Hughton plenty to ponder ahead of the new campaign.
Alongside him, expect Ryan Yates to start. He looks like being a favourite of Hughton’s and he wore the captain’s armband on Saturday.
In attack
Brennan Johnson didn’t play at the weekend but if he’s fit he could start on the left tonight.
Alex Mighten has featured in both games so far so could earn himself a rest this evening – at least from the start anyway.
That could open the door for Joe Lolley to come in and get some more minutes under his belt after a hamstring injury.
Joao Carvalho has proved a forgotten man at Forest but he too could earn a reprieve under Hughton. We expect him to win a start in the No.10 spot.
Lewis Grabban didn’t make the squad on Saturday but he could spearhead the attack as Forest head to Sixfields.
Here is how tonight’s team could look:
