Here at Nottingham Forest News, we don’t particularly like international breaks but alas they’re now out of the way until March, with the Reds back in action today!
Steve Cooper’s in-form team are on the road this afternoon as they embark on the long trip to Reading for another Championship contest.
The Royals could adopt a siege mentality during today’s game after the EFL hit them with a six-point deduction this week for financial regulations.
Forest will head south, however, with three points firmly in their sights and here is how Cooper could line his team up for today’s game.
Predicted Forest XI to play Reading:
In goal and back three
Brice Samba kept a clean sheet last time out against Preston and will start against Reading today.
There could be a change for this game with Cooper reverting back to three central defenders after going 4-2-3-1 for the contest against the Lilywhites.
That could see Tobias Figueiredo return to the starting eleven to start in between Joe Worrall and Scott McKenna, making up a three-man central defensive unit.
Midfield and wing-backs
Forest’s wing-backs have really come of age under Cooper but the sad thing is they’re both only on loan at the club.
Djed Spence and Max Lowe both look set to start today’s game on the right and left respectively.
In midfield, there is some competition for places. Ryan Yates and Jack Colback are growing as a partnership though and that could be the thought process by Cooper today.
Braian Ojeda and James Garner look set to settle for places on the bench once again.
In attack
Lewis Grabban took his tally for the season to eight and his tally for Forest to 51 during the game against Preston before the international break.
Philip Zinckernagel started against Preston and he should get the nod to start once more, with Brennan Johnson also continuing in the side.
That will see Alex Mighten falling foul to the change in shape and drop to the bench.
Here is how today’s team could line up:
