Former Nottingham Forest striker Marlon Harewood has told the Garibaldi Red podcast that Keinan Davis should start tonight against Sheffield United.
The Reds hold a slender one-goal advantage following a 2-1 win against the Blades at Bramall Lane on Saturday.
Forest have been here before when it comes to play-off games. Second legs against Yeovil, Blackpool and Swansea have all been lost since Sheffield United beat the Reds in 2003.
Harewood played in that game but he believes the Reds have a secret weapon in their ranks ahead of tonight’s game.
Davis returned to the squad on Saturday after missing the season’s final stages through injury.
Harewood thinks Steve Cooper should put Davis in his starting line-up for tonight’s massive game against the Blades.
He told the Garibaldi Red podcast: “For me, in my opinion, before I get in trouble, he should be starting. Defenders will be scared of him. Even if he’s not scoring he’s a threat because defenders have to get close to him but they don’t want to fight him because he’s a strong lad.
“For me, he’s a guaranteed starter if he’s fit. He can cause havoc. Surridge has done really well but I’m sorry to say it but I think Davis should start with Zinckernagel behind him.”
Davis should start against Sheffield United if he’s fit
Harewood has a point. John Egan didn’t fancy it up against Davis back in March and if he’s fit enough he simply has to play this evening.
The 24-year-old featured for 13 minutes on Saturday and his presence in the final third could prove telling tonight.
If Forest can nab the first goal this evening then they could be well on their way.
It could be the sort of night, however, where Forest have to fight for every inch and the strength of Davis would be useful.
Surridge has played a lot of football lately and tonight could be the night where Harewood gets his wish, with Cooper preferring Davis.
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