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Nottingham Forest predicted XI v Barnsley: Philip Zinckernagel starts

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Nottingham Forest take on Barnsley tonight looking to build on their win over Derby County at the weekend.

The Reds beat the Rams 2-1 at the City Ground and now they have a real chance to cement themselves into contention for a play-off place.

Forest face a Barnsley team who are yet to win on the road this season and they have been ravaged with a Covid outbreak in their squad.

Ahead of tonight’s game, we looked at who Steve Cooper might trust to start the must-win game against the Tykes.

The Forest rearguard

Brice Samba was one of Forest’s heroes on Saturday and he will start between the posts.

Nottingham Forest v Derby County - Sky Bet Championship
Photo by Tony Marshall/Getty Images

At the back, there could be a change. Loic Mbe Soh wasn’t selected for the under-23s last night and could start.

Scott McKenna and Steve Cook will both start the game as part of a three-man defence.

The Forest engine room and wing-backs

Djed Spence and Max Lowe were both very impressive at the weekend. Lowe has missed a lot of action, although he seemed fit enough on Saturday and could start again tonight.

In midfield three into two doesn’t go and someone will have to drop out. Jack Colback and James Garner were both incredible on Saturday and should keep their places.

Ryan Yates could therefore begin the game on the bench.

Leading the Forest line

Cooper has managed Lewis Grabban perfectly since he arrived at the club and he must make a big call on him tonight.

The 13-goal talisman could be left on the bench, with Keinan Davis getting a chance to shine through the middle.

Nottingham Forest v Derby County - Sky Bet Championship
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That could see Philip Zinckernagel come back in for a start. He set up the second goal on Saturday and was largely impressive.

Brennan Johnson will almost certainly keep his place in the team.

Here is how the Forest team could look this evening: