Steve Cooper has a last-minute decision to make on Forest player, three ways he could be replaced

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Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper will have to make a decision on Anthony Elanga today. The head coach confirmed on Friday that he was touch and go for today’s game and if he can’t play, we’ve looked at three ways he could be replaced.

Elanga, 21, has been in fine form since making a £15 million move from Manchester United in the summer. Last weekend against Luton, he registered two assists to take his goal contributions to four for the season.

In terms of money paid, Forest couldn’t really have gone wrong with Elanga. Cooper was desperate to add some athleticism to his ranks from last season and the Sweden international fits that criteria.

In his pre-match press conference, Cooper said on Elanga: “Nobody is going to return to the starting line-up from the injured players and Anthony (Elanga) is touch and go.”

Three ways Steve Cooper can replace Forest winger Anthony Elanga

Neco Williams, out of position

This one does perhaps seem unlikely but it does appear that Williams will be acting as an attacking option from the bench right now. Forest are in short supply when it comes to attacking players and Williams might be asked to do a job further forward.

Williams checked in at the City Ground for £17 million in the summer of 2022. He appears to be the fourth or fifth choice as a full-back right now, so Cooper might choose to utilise him further forward against Liverpool.

Moussa Niakhate comes in, Cooper goes three at the back

Another option is for Cooper to revert to his system that deploys three central defenders and two wing-backs. This naturally means that Forest would play with one less attacking player but it really is a case of needs must.

Niakhate has waited patiently for a chance in the starting eleven. Last time that chance came he played as a left-back and was sent off against Brentford but that is now behind him and Cooper could get him back in the fold today.

Aguilera gets his chance

The young Costa Rica starlet looks like a quality talent who is emerging through the ranks at Forest. He’s been a regular in the B-Team this season and was on the bench against Luton.

The 20-year-old is edging closer to a Premier League appearance. His chances of playing against Liverpool today will be enhanced if Elanga doesn’t make it and it will be interesting to see whether Aguilera gets the nod.