With the Premier League run-in hurtling into view, head coach Steve Cooper is under no illusions about the need to turn around Nottingham Forest's away form.
A nine-match unbeaten run in the league at the City Ground is keeping the Reds out of the relegation zone. It remains very tight at the bottom end of the table, though, and Forest could certainly do with picking up some points on the road.
They have collected six points from 12 games on their travels and have scored just three goals - a tally they were unable to add to against West Ham United. Putting that right in another trip to the capital this weekend, to face Tottenham Hotspur, is going to be far from easy.
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Cooper faces some tough decisions when it comes to selecting his team. The midfield battleground, in particular, could be key.
Ryan Yates made a noticeable difference when he came off the bench against Everton on Sunday, adding some much-needed drive in the centre of the pitch and setting up Brennan Johnson’s second goal. If he is fit enough to start, there’s little question he should be in the XI.
If not, Cooper has to try to find the right balance between giving the defence enough protection from a Spurs side with the potential to do damage on their own turf and ensuring Forest can cause problems of their own when they get the ball. It’s likely they will see little of it, so using possession well is a must.
The argument against Jack Colback, Remo Freuler and Jonjo Shelvey playing together has been doing the rounds on social media following the draw against the Toffees. If Cooper wants to mix it up against Tottenham, he could turn to Orel Mangala.
Gustavo Scarpa and Danilo, meanwhile, were not involved against Everton. The Reds boss has spoken before about patience being required as the pair adapt to English football.
In attack, Emmanuel Dennis and Andre Ayew were both positive from off the bench, but it would be a surprise if they have forced their way into the line-up. Sam Surridge is also facing a fight for more game time at the moment, likewise Jesse Lingard, with both being unused substitutes last time out.
Forest still need more from Chris Wood, although he did have a hand in Johnson’s first goal on Sunday. Cooper has options if he wants to switch things around at the top end of the pitch, and there is always the possibility of going without an out-and-out striker if he plumps for the combination of Lingard, Johnson and Gibbs-White, as he has done before.
Predicted Forest XI (assuming Yates is not ready to start): Navas; Aurier, Worrall, Felipe, Lodi; Colback, Freuler, Shelvey; Gibbs-White; Johnson, Wood.
How should Forest line up against Spurs? Have your say in the comments below
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