Nottingham Forest are in a bit of a sticky situation, according to Steve Cooper and the head coach has to consider a tactical tweak to beat Leeds United.
The Reds lost 3-2 to Bournemouth at the City Ground after leading 2-0 at the half-time interval. Forest were booed off after 90 minutes following a second-half capitulation.
Cooper opted to play Cheikhou Kouyate in midfield yesterday and he played extremely well during his first Premier League start on home soil.
At the back, there is some cause for concern though and as a result, we’ve looked at how Cooper could make a tactical change when they travel to Elland Road on Monday week.
The Forest rearguard
Dean Henderson’s place isn’t in jeopardy and he will remain in goal.
At the back, big changes are now required, with Forest shipping goals for fun at the moment.
Joe Worrall might be the captain but ultimately he needs to be aware that the armband won’t be enough to make him a regular.
His performances need to improve and the pace of Loic Bade could be useful against Leeds.
Scott McKenna made a mistake against Bournemouth but with Moussa Niakhate injured, he remains the only left-footed option.
Between those two, former Wolves defender Willy Boly could slot in for a maiden start.
Forest midfield and wing-backs
Having an extra man in midfield could be helpful as Cooper aims to stop the rot.
Remo Freuler and Lewis O’Brien were both left on the bench against Bournemouth and they both have to play against Leeds.
Between them, Kouyate looks undroppable. Provided he’s fit, he will play at Elland Road next week.
At wing-backs there doesn’t seem too much urgency to change anything at Neco Williams and Renan Lodi should play.
Leading the Forest line
It may sound harsh on Jesse Lingard and Brennan Johnson but perhaps they could be doing more.
Lingard is working hard but things just aren’t coming off for him at the moment.
Johnson has to get back to basics and do what he was so good at during last season when he scored 19 goals.
Morgan Gibbs-White could thrive in the number 10 role and as the club’s record signing he seems certain to play when he’s fit.
Not playing with a proper striker hampered Forest when they were trying to reset in the second half.
Having played for Watford in the Premier League last season, Emmanuel Dennis deserves a chance to start and show what he can do for Forest.
The tactical change that could help Forest beat Leeds:
