As Nottingham Forest seek to bounce back from a recent run of poor form, we predict Steve Cooper’s starting XI for Friday’s Premier League meeting with Newcastle United.
Nottingham Forest face an incredibly-stern test on Friday night as they take on Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United.
Under the lights at the City Ground, you can expect fireworks as the race for Premier League survival intensifies. Following an up-turn in fortunes for teams below them and some poor results of their own, the big question is whether Forest can use the electric City Ground atmosphere to propel them away from the relegation zone.
Ahead of another important fixture, here is what we think Cooper’s starting XI will be. Forest have a number of injury concerns for the fixture which will limit Cooper’s selection thinking while.
See our predicted XI below...
Ahead of another important fixture, here is what we think Cooper’s starting XI will be. Forest have a number of injury concerns for the fixture which will limit Cooper’s selection thinking while.
5. Serge Aurier
‘El Jefe’ has become a reliable pick at right-back for Steve Cooper. He has taken the heat of Neco Williams and generally been a solid influence on a Forest side who have struggled at times this season to keep clean sheets.
6. Jonjo Shelvey
A screamer from 30 yards against his former employers? Since joining from Tyneside Shelvey has become a key player in Cooper’s tactical approach. Sitting deep in a quarter-back style, Shelvey is
yet to find his form in a Forest shirt. Perhaps playing against a side he knows inside out is the catalyst he needs to kickstart his Forest career.
7. Remo Frueler
Another Cooper favourite. Frueler has taken the captaincy in the absence of Worrall and Yates and
nothing suggests Cooper’s trust in him has wavered. Often unseen and doing the basics well, can Frueler turn up and give the Forest fans a big moment on Friday night?
8. Ryan Yates
Having been on the bench in recent games following a mysterious illness, tonight seems the night where Yates’ return is needed. Having lacked energy and cohesion in midfield, Yates’ aggression and energy could prove vital if Forest are to take some much-needed points from this fixture.