Poll results: 83% want to see Nottingham Forest’s Tomlin start against Burton

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Nottingham Forest travel to Burton Albion this weekend.

A large majority – 83 per cent – of Nottingham Forest fans participating in an online poll want to see Lee Tomlin start for the Reds as they take on Nigel Clough’s Burton Albion in a key game in the Championship.

Forest have endured a poor run of results since Aitor Karanka became manager, winning just one of six matches in all competitions and losing the last three Championship games in succession.

The East Midlands side are now nervously looking over the shoulder at the relegation zone, and they head to bottom of the league Burton this weekend knowing a defeat could really dent their confidence.

Despite numerous new arrivals late on in the January transfer window, Forest just have not clicked yet under Karanka and their lack of goals – only two scored in their last eight league games – is a real concern.

As such, fans participating in an online poll have voted heavily in favour of attack-minded player Tomlin starting the game at the Pirelli Stadium following his recent switch to the City Ground.

The 29-year-old joined on loan from Cardiff City in a deal that saw Jamie Ward go the other way, and he has experience of playing under Karanka before during a spell at Middlesbrough.

Tomlin is a creative midfielder who can play in various forward positions, and only last season he showed his capabilities as he posted an impressive six goals and a further five assists in 30 league starts for Bristol City.

During his stint at Boro he was even more effective, recording eight goals and 10 assists in 35 games. Therefore it is little surprise to see Karanka opting to bring him in for the remainder of the campaign.

While Tomlin may still be a little short of match-fitness, he has come off the bench in the last two matches for Forest, showing glimpses of what he can do and staking his name for a starting position.

Forest cannot afford to lose to Burton so, while Karanka will be looking for defensive improvements, ultimately goals are needed to get them out of their current predicament and Tomlin may be a solution.