Sean Dyche is banking on a full week of intense training sessions with his Nottingham Forest team to yield positive results in their upcoming weekend fixture.
The new head coach of the Reds didn’t have a moment’s respite in his initial week in charge, overseeing two matches in quick succession. A remarkable Europa League victory over Porto last Thursday was followed by a sobering 2-0 Premier League defeat on the road against Bournemouth on Sunday.
Following the disappointing loss at the Vitality Stadium, Dyche wasted no time in emphasizing that Forest would not be afforded any rest as they strive to reverse their fortunes. Benefitting from a welcome break without any midweek fixture, Dyche capitalized on a full week of rigorous training sessions to impart his tactical blueprint and strategies onto his squad.
Up next for Forest is a demanding encounter with Manchester United on Saturday at 3 pm. The Reds currently languish in 18th place and are yet to secure a victory in the league since their opening day triumph under the stewardship of Nuno Espirito Santo.
Heading into the Manchester United clash, Dyche faces a conundrum in selecting his starting eleven at the City Ground. While the manager made just one alteration against Bournemouth, the quick turnaround between games rendered his side lackluster in their performance.
However, this time around, Dyche anticipates a revamped and rejuvenated Forest outfit. The squad is expected to be well-rested and rejuvenated for the impending showdown with United.
As Dyche contemplates his tactical approach, he may opt to maintain the same defensive quartet from the previous game, especially with full-back Oleksandr Zinchenko sidelined. This could see summer recruit Nicolo Savona earning a second consecutive start.
In the heart of midfield, Douglas Luiz and Elliot Anderson retained their spots in the previous fixture. Dyche could potentially introduce Ibrahim Sangare, Ryan Yates, or Nicolas Dominguez to infuse fresh dynamism into the midfield lineup. Alternately, he might consider a tactical shift, deploying a three-man midfield formation.
The most pressing dilemma for Dyche lies in the attacking department. Forest’s struggles in front of goal have persisted, a facet that Dyche is eager to resolve.
Injuries pose a significant challenge for Dyche ahead of the Saturday clash, with the absence of striker Chris Wood and winger Dilane Bakwa. In Wood’s absence, Igor Jesus could retain his spot upfront, though Taiwo Awoniyi’s impactful cameo against Bournemouth warrants consideration for a starting berth.
Meanwhile, summer signings James McAtee and Omari Hutchinson have encountered limited game time since their arrival. Both players aspire to secure more minutes under Dyche’s tutelage, though their involvement in the weekend fixture remains uncertain.
Predicted Nottingham Forest XI: Sels; Savona, Milenkovic, Murillo, Williams; Luiz, Anderson; Ndoye, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi; Jesus.
