New Nottingham Forest manager Mark Warburton is without a win so far and his side are getting desperate. No win in 5 has left them just 2 points above the relegation zone and very much looking over their shoulders at the relegation places.
The games don’t get any easier for the East-Midlands side as they entertain Huddersfield at the weekend. David Wagner’s men were victorious yet again in midweek after another energetic display earned them a thumping 3-0 win over Norwich City at the John Smith’s Stadium.
Forest lost 1-0 at Wolves last time but it was a close call – indeed they thought they’d scored through Britt Assombalonga moments before the crucial winner and will look to do to Huddersfield what they did to Brighton a month ago. If they are to do it, they’ll need this 4-1-4-1 line-up to be at its best:
Probable Nottingham Forest Playing XI
Formation: 4-1-4-1
Mark Warburton
GK – Jordan Smith
The youth team recruit, still just 22, will need to ignore any nerves on what is only his 10th appearance in the league in goal.
RB – Eric Lichaj
A defensive shake-up may be needed and so the USA international may come back in at right-back.
CB – Matthew Mills
Despite being fairly accurately described as a journeyman defender, Mills has held his place down in the Forest side and should play again.
CB – Michael Mancienne
Played at right-back last time, but with Danny Fox suspended after his red card in midweek the former Chelsea star may move into his more natural position.
LB – Armand Traore
Another run-out at left-back is on the cards for the former Arsenal man. Just the 11 appearances this season so far.
DM – David Vaughan
With tons of experience under his belt, he can line-up again and protect a vulnerable defensive back line.
RM – Ben Brereton
It’s difficult to know which way Warburton will go in midfield, but the youngster may get another chance on the right.
CM – Zach Clough
Improving nicely and may well outgrow this Forest side eventually.
CM – Chris Cohen
The experienced former Yeovil Town man is captaining the side these days and will line up once again to marshal his troops.
LM – Mustapha Carayol
Replaced Ben Osborn during the game at Wolves and could be a more natural option in this position.
ST – Britt Assombalonga
So nearly scored at Molineux in midweek and will be desperate to make up for that. 10 league goals in 26 games for a struggling side is not a bad record at all and so he should start once more.