Head coach Steve Cooper set Nottingham Forest up with a very specific game-plan in mind against Manchester City last weekend.
The Welshman sacrificed his footballing principles as he asked his players to focus on containing the reigning champions, with the aim of then hitting them on the counterattack. It paid off as Chris Wood came off the bench to net what could prove to be a vital equaliser at the City Ground.
Cooper had packed out the centre of the pitch, naming an experienced midfield in the form of Jonjo Shelvey, Remo Freuler and Jack Colback, who all put a significant shift in. And he had opted not to play with an out-and-out striker, until changes were made in the second half.
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His next challenge is to pick a team which is capable of getting a result at West Ham United on Saturday. Forest still need to improve their away form, and this could be an important clash in the battle for survival, with the Hammers currently in 18th place, five points below their visitors.
Injuries continue to hamper the manager’s team selection. Serge Aurier was forced off late on against City and is now facing a spell on the sidelines. That could mean Neco Williams slots in at right-back.
The club are still waiting to hear whether their appeal against the Premier League’s decision to reject their request to reinstate Steve Cook into the 25-man squad has been successful. But regardless of the outcome, Joe Worrall and Felipe are likely to keep their places at centre-back.
Ryan Yates returned to full training this week, following illness. When fully fit he is one of the first names on the team-sheet, but Cooper said he would "not rush" the 25-year-old's return.
He does have options in that area of the pitch. In addition to the three midfielders mentioned above, Danilo was in the XI on Saturday, while Orel Mangala came on in the second half. Gustavo Scarpa had to settle for watching on as an unused substitute.
Although playing with an extra midfielder - with Morgan Gibbs-White and Brennan Johnson the attacking players in the starting line-up - worked against City. It wouldn’t be a surprise if Cooper reverts to a more familiar way of playing in the capital.
That could involve Wood coming back into the side, fresh from bagging his first goal in the Garibaldi. Forest still need to find a way of consistently getting the best from the striker, after three quiet appearances prior to his goalscoring cameo, but more balls like the one Gibbs-White laid on for him would help.
Andre Ayew has been limited to substitute appearances so far, while Emmanuel Dennis and Sam Surridge are Cooper’s other forward options. Meanwhile, Jesse Lingard is available again - having missed the last two games with a combination of knee and Achilles’ trouble - and could be in line to face his old club.
Predicted Forest XI: Navas; Williams, Worrall, Felipe, Lodi; Shelvey, Freuler, Mangala; Gibbs-White; Johnson, Wood.
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