Head coach Steve Cooper has named his Nottingham Forest team to face Union Berlin this afternoon.
The Reds are in Germany for their fifth pre-season friendly as they continue their build-up to the Premier League campaign. They have already taken on Coventry City, Burton Albion, Barnsley and, most recently, Hertha Berlin this summer.
Since Tuesday night’s match, Forest have made the statement signing of Jesse Lingard. The former Manchester United ace put pen to paper on a one-year deal on Thursday evening.
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But he is not included in the matchday squad for today’s game. Fellow summer signing Lewis O’Brien, however, does make his debut, having not been involved at the Pirelli Stadium on Tuesday night.
There is a return to the starting XI for Steve Cook. He lines up in a back three with Joe Worrall and Scott McKenna either side, ahead of goalkeeper Dean Henderson.
Neco Williams and Harry Toffolo will take up the full-back spots, just as they did in midweek. However, O’Brien replaces Cafu in the centre of the pitch, with Jack Colback retaining his place.
There is also a change in attack. Brennan Johnson looks set to continue in the no.10 role, but Alex Mighten comes in for Lyle Taylor, to start up front alongside Taiwo Awoniyi.
The substitutes’ bench is made up of Jordan Smith, George Shelvey, Loic Mbe Soh, Giulian Biancone, Moussa Niakhate, Richie Laryea, Aaron Donnelly, Cafu, Braian Ojeda, Oli Hammond, Lyle Taylor and Dale Taylor. Goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey is not in the squad.
Cooper’s men have a fortnight to go before the 2022/23 campaign begins. They make the trip to Newcastle United for their opening fixture on August 6.
Forest starting XI: Henderson; Worrall, Cook, McKenna; Williams, O’Brien, Colback, Toffolo; Johnson; Awoniyi, Mighten. Subs: Smith, Shelvey, Mbe Soh, Biancone, Niakhate, Laryea, Donnelly, Cafu, Ojeda, Hammond, L. Taylor, D. Taylor.
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