Nottingham Forest face Aston Villa today looking to arrest a run of six games without a win. Ahead of the clash, we’ve tried to pick a starting eleven that Steve Cooper may look to utilise.
The Reds were well beaten last weekend against Liverpool. Forest simply rolled over after the hosts had taken the lead around the half-an-hour mark at Anfield.
Cooper needs to ensure that Forest get back to winning ways very quickly. Right now, it looks as though the team are struggling from second-season syndrome a little bit.
Predicted Nottingham Forest team to play Aston Villa
The Forest rearguard
The big decision for Cooper defensively comes between the posts. Matt Turner was at fault for two goals against Liverpool and surely the time has come for Odysseas Vlachodimos to get his chance.
For the visit of Villa, it seems as though Cooper will revert to a flat back-four. With that in mind, we think Moussa Niakhate could be the man to miss out for this one.
Willy Boly and Murillo have struck up a good partnership. As a result, the pair will likely get the chance to start from the off once again against Villa.
In the full-back positions, it looks unlikely that there will be a change. With that in mind, Serge Aurier should start at right-back, with Ola Aina on the left-hand side.
The Forest engine room
Everything appears quite cosher in the middle of the park. Although some fans are pining for Ryan Yates to come into the fold this weekend, he might have to remain patient.
Ibrahim Sangare has collected four yellow cards since he was signed for £30 million from PSV in the summer. With a big game away at West Ham to come next weekend, Cooper must decide whether or not to risk him this weekend.
Nicolas Dominguez and Orel Mangala look almost certain to keep their places. Both Forest stars are in fine form and seem to have the backing of Cooper.
Leading the Forest line
Getting Morgan Gibbs-White into a position to hurt teams will be something that Cooper is keen to do. However, he might have to settle for a place on the right of a front three again this weekend.
Taiwo Awoniyi was fit to play for around 30 minutes last weekend so he could start this weekend. Anthony Elanga was lively against Liverpool and with Callum Hudson-Odoi injured, he looks set to start again.
Here is how Forest could start against Aston Villa:
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