Nottingham Forest head coach Steve Cooper has confirmed his team to play Aston Villa this evening via the club’s official Twitter.
Confirmed Nottingham Forest team to play Aston Villa:
Nottingham Forest starting XI: Henderson; Cook, Kouyate, McKenna; Aurier, Yates, Freuler, Toffolo; Gibbs-White; Dennis, Johnson.
Nottingham Forest substitutes: Hennessey, Boly, Worrall, Williams, O’Brien, Mangala, Lingard, Awoniyi, Surridge.
Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa: What’s the story?
This looks like a big game on Trentside.
Not on the basis that the Reds are in desperate need of three points but because it gives the fans a chance to back Steve Cooper.
It’s been eventful since Forest last played.
A 4-0 drubbing at Leicester had seen the rumour mill go into overdrive.
Rafa Benitez was ready to take over, apparently, whilst Forest were considering sacking seemingly everyone behind the scenes!
The rumour mill isn’t always accurate in comparison to real life, however.
Behind the scenes, things were much calmer and Forest handed Cooper a new three-year contract on Friday.
Now, Forest have to improve on the pitch.
The Reds have lost five on the trot and it’s down to Cooper and his players to get things moving in the right direction.
Aston Villa are unbeaten in three and tonight’s game won’t be easy.
Steven Gerrard has assembled a quality squad and they can go into the top half with a victory this evening.
Forest can edge off the bottom of the table should they win and the City Ground crowd could play a big part tonight.
Broadcast details
Forest will take part in Monday Night Football for the second successive week.
Jamie Carragher is joined by Roy Keane tonight to provide analysis on Sky Sports Main Event.
BBC Radio Nottingham will, as ever, be live from the City Ground for full match commentary.
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