Nottingham Forest are steeling themselves for a huge game at the City Ground on Monday night as the Premier League season reaches make-or-break stage.
It is essentially a must-win clash for the Reds against Southampton. If they are to keep themselves in with a chance of survival, they really need to take all three points on the banks of the Trent.
That means some tough selection decisions for head coach Steve Cooper. And he may also have to factor in a couple of injury concerns from last Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at Brentford.
READ: Morgan Gibbs-White reveals angry Steve Cooper reaction that left Nottingham Forest squad stunned
READ: Nottingham Forest tipped to avoid relegation with Leeds and Everton in Premier League peril
The Welshman felt fatigue played a part as Forest surrendered their lead and conceded twice in the final 10 minutes at the Gtech Community Stadium. A taxing three-game week had taken a toll, he said.
The visitors also found themselves down to 10 men soon after the Bees’ equaliser, when goalscorer Danilo came off with a hamstring problem and they were unable to make any more changes. Brennan Johnson had been substituted earlier with a knock, too.
Reports from Brazil have suggested Danilo will miss the next two games. The midfielder has since posted footage of himself running on the grass at the Nigel Doughty Academy - albeit he appeared to be working by himself.
A significant injury list has hampered Cooper's options for much of this season. On a positive note, however, Ryan Yates made his return from a shoulder issue when he came off the bench in the capital.
Yates can have a key role to play in the remaining four fixtures, particularly if Danilo is sidelined. Whether he is ready to start against the Saints remains to be seen, although you can be sure he will be putting himself forward and a full week of recovery should help all round.
If Danilo is ruled out, the Nigel Doughty Academy graduate could slot in. Remo Freuler and Cheikhou Kouyate also provide options, and Cooper has insisted Jonjo Shelvey is available, despite the January signing not being involved at the weekend.
The Forest boss faces a dilemma of whether to stick with two in midfield or bring in an extra body in the centre of the pitch. Trying to win that particular battle will be key.
Johnson’s availability may have an impact as a formation tweak could be required if he is not fit. The fact he walked off is hopefully a good sign, unlike Danilo, who had to be supported as he made way.
If he wants to mix things up further, Cooper could consider returning to a back four. But the Reds have been effective with a three-man defence plus wing-backs in recent games.
Predicted Forest XI (assuming Johnson is fit but Danilo isn't): Navas; Aurier, Worrall, Felipe, Niakhate, Lodi; Mangala, Yates; Johnson, Awoniyi, Gibbs-White.
How should Forest line up against Southampton? Have your say in the comments below
-
READ NEXT:
- Steve Cooper explains 'obvious answer' to Nottingham Forest poor away form
Man City sent 'do your thing' Nottingham Forest order as Neville makes 'miracle' Leeds claim
- 'Respectfully' - Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper gives honest Sam Allardyce to Leeds verdict
- Every word Steve Cooper told Jim White on Nottingham Forest, Evangelos Marinakis and Southampton
- Chris Sutton makes huge Nottingham Forest prediction ahead of Southampton clash
- The latest Nottingham Forest news in one place
