Here is how we expect Nottingham Forest to line-up against Aston Villa this weekend.
Nottingham Forest welcome Aston Villa to the City Ground for what promises to be an eventful Championship encounter – not least considering the recent interactions between the two clubs.
Familiarisation between the sides could not be more prevalent ahead of this weekend’s clash, following the transfer window dealings that saw Henri Lansbury leave Nottingham for the west midland outfit and Forest duo Aaron Tshibola and Ross McCormack make the opposite switch – albeit the loan variety.
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Despite failing with their efforts to entice Nigel Clough to the vacant managerial role earlier in the week, Forest completed a busy January transfer window by securing the services of another Clough – in the form of Bolton forward Zach – alongside Joao Teixeira and Gboly Ariyibi.
Against Villa, Clough is likely to be afforded a start by interim manager Gary Brazil – whilst Ariyibi, Tshibola and Teixeira may well feature from the substitutes bench.
Goalkeeper Stephen Henderson is expected to retain the gloves and govern a back four consisting of Eric Lichaj, Jack Hobbs, Danny Fox and Daniel Pinillos. Ahead of the defensive line, Forest look set to deploy Michael Mancienne, with potential alternative Tshibola remaining on the bench, and David Vaughan to enable the more attack-minded players to impact.
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Flanking the midfield should be Ben Osborn on the left and Jamie Ward on the opposite side – as Brazil stands by his performers from last week’s victory over Rotherham United. The exception is Clough, who is set to start in tandem with Britt Assombalonga in Forest’s front line.
Here is the predicted Nottingham Forest line-up in full:
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