Head coach Steve Cooper made clear in his pre-match press conference that Nottingham Forest will stick to their identity when they come up against Manchester City.
The Welshman admits Wednesday night will be the Reds’ toughest test yet, since making the step up to the Premier League. But during his time at the City Ground, he has consistently stressed his desire to establish a way of playing - and to stick to it.
Whether he sticks with the same XI which put in a fine performance against Tottenham Hotspur - despite losing 2-0 - is the big question ahead of Forest’s trip to the Etihad Stadium. As part of that, Cooper must weigh up whether to throw Renan Lodi straight into the action.
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The Brazil international became the club’s 18th new arrival of the summer when he joined on loan from Atletico Madrid on Monday. With Omar Richards still out injured, Lodi will provide competition for Harry Toffolo at left wing-back.
There is no shortage of that in the middle of the park. Indeed, there is a real fight for places in midfield.
Ryan Yates and Lewis O’Brien both did well against Spurs. But as Cooper looks to plot a way of trying to stop Manchester City, he could opt to call upon the experience of Remo Freuler or Cheikhou Kouyate.
No doubt the Reds boss will also consider whether to make any changes in attack. The trio of Brennan Johnson, Jesse Lingard and Morgan Gibbs-White caused problems for Tottenham at the weekend.
That is an exciting front three for Forest. But with the hosts unable to make the most of some promising positions last time out, did they miss having a focal point up front?
Taiwo Awoniyi started the games against West Ham United and Everton. But Emmanuel Dennis will hope he might get a first start, and Sam Surridge will be pushing to be involved, too, if Cooper does decide to make some tweaks.
Predicted Forest XI: Henderson; Worrall, Cook, McKenna; Williams, Freuler, Yates, Toffolo; Johnson, Lingard, Gibbs-White.
How should Forest line up against City? Have your say in the comments below
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