A pairing of Michael Mancienne and Jack Hobbs is the answer to Nottingham Forest’s defensive problems.
Nottingham Forest’s defensive frailties are in danger of dragging them into a Championship relegation battle.
The Tricky Trees lost 2-0 to arch rivals Derby County on Sunday, conceding their first goal inside 24 seconds.
It was Forest’s sixth defeat in eight league games and left them 14th in the table.
Matej Vydra of Derby scores the opening goal against Forest inside 24 seconds at Pride Park.
It was also the sixth match in a row that Mark Warburton has changed his defensive lineup.
This inconsistency of selection is a major contributor to why Forest have the worst defensive record in the Championship, outside of the bottom three. They have only kept one clean sheet since the opening weekend of the season.
It is time that Warburton settled on a partnership of Jack Hobbs and Michael Mancienne.
Hobbs’ absence from recent squads has been mystifying considering he is finally injury free and of proven Championship standard. Mancienne has been Forest’s most consistent defensive performer, hindered by the lack of a regular partner.
Joe Worrall is a youngster of great promise but would benefit from being taken out of the firing line. Warburton needs a steady back line that will allow his talented attackers to flourish, and that is what Hobbs and Mancienne would be.
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