Nottingham Forest will aim to keep their unbeaten start to the season going when they welcome an in-form Fulham to City Ground.
Nottingham Forest, who face Fulham this weekend, played out an entertaining game against Brighton & Hove Albion last time out, as both teams managed to keep their unbeaten start to the season going. The game was marred by controversy following the red card for Morgan Gibbs-White, which did take the gloss off that scintillating contest.
Nuno Espirito Santo might have managed to quell the nerves of supporters with an early season form, as Forest were once again considered for the relegation scrap when the campaign began. Instead, they have managed to find form in the way of two victories and three draws in their five games so far, including that tremendous result at Anfield, where they defeated Liverpool.
There are some extensive tests along the way for Espirito Santo, as the Portuguese tactician will look for ways to climb up the table and make his side an established mid-table team. Nottingham Forest sit in the eighth spot for the time being, as they now face Fulham, followed by two other London teams, Chelsea and Crystal Palace, after that.
Meanwhile, Marco Silva’s Fulham are right behind Nottingham Forest on the table, with a point separating the two teams in the standings. Since their narrow opening-day defeat to Manchester United, the Cottagers have stayed unbeaten in the Premier League. However, they did suffer an early cup exit at the hands of Preston, courtesy of a massive penalty shootout.
The Cottagers have two wins and as many draws in the four games since that defeat to Manchester United, as they turned up as convincing winners against Newcastle United at home last time out. Raul Jimenez, Emile Smith Rowe and Reiss Nelson all found the back of the net as Harvey Barnes’s early strike in the second half proved a mere consolation.
Silva will only look to build on this success with back-to-back wins in the Premier League after they face Manchester City. Hence, Fulham must get three points here at City Ground, as this game against Nottingham Forest promises plenty of fireworks.
Team News & Tactics
Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest will be without star man Morgan Gibbs-White, who will serve his one-game suspension against Fulham. But there are reports that it could turn into a two-match ban for the attacker. Ramon Sosa has certainly given Nuno Espirito Santo a selection headache, as he does appear like someone who could replace their suspended star.
However, Espirito Santo could play it safe and not take a risk with the team, meaning he could deploy one of Elliot Anderson or James Ward-Prowse higher up the pitch in support of the front three. It could be the latter, who has good experience in that role, meaning Sosa might have to stay content with a place on the bench and could further enhance his reputation as an impact player of sorts.
There are doubts about Willy Boly’s participation, although Espirito Santo is likely to continue Murillo and Nikola Milenkovic in the heart of his defence. Once again, Alex Moreno might start in the left-back berth, with Ola Aina moving to the right-hand side.
Coming back to Sosa, the attacker might also look to threaten Anthony Elanga’s place, although the Swede is likely to keep his place. Chris Wood and Callum Hudson-Odoi are set to complete the front three for Nottingham Forest.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Selz; Aina, Milenkovic, Murillo, Moreno; Yates, Anderson; Elanga, Ward-Prowse, Hudson-Odoi; Wood
Fulham
On paper, Marco Silva may not have to change his setup from the previous game, although he might make some tweaks depending on the challenges an away trip brings to his tactics. For instance, he could tweak his midfield by bringing in Sander Berge for Sasa Lukic, as this change could suit the team on their travels.
Beyond that, Silva may only think of a few changes, although there are a few who have given him a selection headache. For instance, Reiss Nelson has had a few good cameos in recent weeks, although the manager will likely stick with Alex Iwobi on the left wing.
Rodrigo Muniz is another player who would be pushing for a starting berth. But Raul Jimenez has picked up form, and his goal against Newcastle United somewhat keeps him in the central striker’s role for now. All eyes will be on Adama Traore and Emile Smith Rowe, with the duo two of the best Fulham players since the season began.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Leno; Tete, Andersen, Bassey, Robinson; Pereira, Berge; Traore, Smith-Rowe, Iwobi; Jimenez
Key Stats
- Fulham have won eight of the last 11 league meetings with Nottingham Forest. The Cottagers have recorded 42 league wins against Nottingham Forest, more than against any other opposition
- Nottingham Forest are undefeated in their last six matches in the Premier League.
- Fulham are yet to win away from home this season.
- Fulham are on a four-game unbeaten run and only one point behind Nottingham Forest in the standings.
- Raul Jimenez has scored eight goals in his past nine league starts.
Player to Watch
Emile Smith Rowe
Smith Rowe has started life at Fulham as a fan would expect the club-record signing to do, with two goals and one assist in five games. The former Arsenal star has had a difficult period over the last two seasons. But it now seems like he has found his rhythm again under Silva.
Smith Rowe still has plenty to prove, and he would have to show the hunger needed to be a big game player at Fulham and the Premier League in general. A daunting away trip to unbeaten Nottingham Forest might represent a good enough opportunity for Smith-Rowe to shine, and only time will tell whether he uses his time in the spotlight well.
Prediction
Nottingham Forest 2-2 Fulham
These are two in-form teams in the Premier League at the moment and could make up for an entertaining clash at the City Ground. Forest will surely want to keep their unbeaten start to the season going, while Fulham will eye a big three points away from home for the first time in this campaign.
Overall, these two teams have shown a knack for good defending as well as scoring key goals this season, as the game has all the hallmarks for an entertaining draw. There will be a few dramatic incidents in this one, as the game could end in a 2-2 draw.