Nottingham Forest travel to Reading with major first team absences ahead of this Championship clash. We preview manager Philippe Montanier’s expected XI.
Both Nottingham Forest and Reading head into their Championship encounter with a disappointing set of recent results. Forest have managed just six points from the last 27 available and go in search of three precious points against The Royals.
Opponents Reading are also in search of an upturn in form – having only secured five points from a possible 15 prior to a 2-0 EFL Cup loss to Arsenal in midweek.
Nottingham Forest’s Damien Perquis in the 3-1 win over Birmingham City
Despite being one of the most effective tackling sides in the division Philippe Montanier’s Forest side are yet to keep a clean sheet in any Championship game this season – and are yet to win a league game away from the City Ground this campaign. To further compound Forest’s poor run of form, they have only secured one league win from their last nine attempts; albeit an impressive performance in a 3-1 victory over fellow Midlands side Birmingham City.
Nottingham Forest’s team selection is heavily influenced by the absence of nine first team players due to a combination of injury and suspension.
Michael Mancienne looks likely to miss out due to illness
After his dismissal against Cardiff City, Thomas Lam joins Hildeberto Pereira on the suspension list, whilst Montanier is also unable to field ball-playing defender Michael Mancienne, fellow centre-back Jack Hobbs, and left-back Daniel Pinillos due to injury.
In midfield, Forest remain without the promising talents of Matty Cash and the experienced David Vaughan. Mustapha Carayol also misses out after injury against Blackburn Rovers.
Forward Nicklas Bendtner is still sidelined with an ankle injury, but at least there is some positive news for Forest fans – as Brit Assombalonga is edging closer to full fitness and should be pushing for starting spots soon enough. Assombalonga is expected to start on the bench for the trip to Reading’s Madejski Stadium.
Nottingham Forest’s Britt Assombalonga is back in the fold following injury
Nottingham Forest are predicted to lineup with goalkeeper Vladimir Stoijkovic behind a back four of Eric Lichaj, Matt Mills, Damien Perquis and Armand Traore – who is expected to see off the challenge of Danny Fox to secure the left-back spot. The central midfield pair of Pajtim Kasami and captain Chris Cohen are in line to start, flanked by Ben Osborn on the left and Nicolao Dumitru on the right. Henri Lansbury will again be afforded a more advanced role in midfield, playing behind centre-forward Apostolos Vellios.
Predicted Nottingham Forest lineup to face Reading
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