Predicted Nottingham Forest side to play Sheffield Wednesday: System change, strike duo to be unleashed?

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Here is how we expect Nottingham Forest to line-up in their Championship encounter with Sheffield Wednesday

To be played on Saturday 18th February 2017 at 16:00. Venue: City Ground, Nottingham

Odds: Forest 11/5, Draw 23/10, Sheff Wed 13/10

Nottingham Forest welcome Sheffield Wednesday to the City Ground for a highly anticipated Championship clash.

After a pair of consecutive away defeats, and considering the disappointing progress made throughout the current campaign, Forest will be eager to secure three vital points in front of their somewhat discontented home following.

However, fans of the Tricky Trees may be boosted by the returning Eric Lichaj – in addition to the prospect of seeing the strike duo of Ross McCormack and Britt Assombalonga being unleashed on a Wednesday defence that has been breached just once throughout February.

See also: Forest man makes the ‘Worst Hair’ XI of 2016-17

Indeed, Assombalonga is pushing for a starting berth and, if successful, would replace recently impressive rookie forward Ben Brereton in the starting line-up.

Another Forest academy product, back-up goalkeeper Jordan Smith, may also be under interim-manager Gary Brazil’s consideration – as recent first pick stopper Stephen Henderson is nursing an injury and alternative Vladimir Stojkovic finding himself under increasing pressure amid a poor season thus far.

Lichaj’s return could mark a change to a back four – with Matty Cash providing midfield cover on the right hand side – as the American full back is expected to line-up alongside central defenders Jack Hobbs and Joe Worrall, with left back Danny Fox completing the quartet. The necessity for greater defensive structure may well stem from the eight goals conceded from Forest’s last two outings.

In front of the back line, Forest are expected to start Pajtim Kasami and Aaron Tshibola in central midfield, with Ben Osborn providing the support to a front two of McCormack and Assombalonga from the flank.

Meanwhile, Sheffield Wednesday travel to Nottingham in much better shape than their opponents.

Currently sitting amongst the Championship play-off spots, Wednesday have the option of recalling forward Steven Fletcher after suspension, but may well remain unchanged – meaning that Jordan Rhodes and Sam Winnall retain their places.

Here’s how we expect Nottingham Forest and Sheffield Wednesday to line-up this weekend: