The dust may have settled on a frantic summer transfer window, but Nottingham Forest manager Oliver Glasner is immediately facing a fresh wave of high-stakes decisions. Following an encouraging 2-2 draw away at Liverpool last weekend, the Reds are gearing up for their eagerly anticipated return to the City Ground this Saturday for a crucial Premier League showdown against Tottenham Hotspur.
While the point at Anfield provided a strong foundational platform, Forest’s heavy recruitment drive has left Glasner with plenty of tactical conundrums. With several high-profile summer acquisitions now pushing for full involvement, the Austrian coach must decide whether to stick rigidly with the side that performed admirably on Merseyside or unleash some of his marquee new faces from the opening whistle.
The Delap Dilemma and Attacking Tweaks
Chief among Glasner’s considerations is £45 million summer signing Liam Delap. After arriving from Chelsea, the powerful young striker made an immediate impact off the bench against Liverpool. It was Delap’s razor-sharp, quick throw-in that caught the Reds’ defense napping and set Neco Williams away to win the penalty converted by Morgan Gibbs-White for Forest’s second goal.
Although Delap is still meticulously building up his match sharpness and overall fitness, the temptation to throw him into the starting line-up against Spurs is undeniable. If Delap does get the nod to lead the line, it could force a tactical shuffle, potentially seeing Igor Jesus drop to the bench or shifting roles to accommodate Gibbs-White and partner him closer to the attack.
Meanwhile, Switzerland international Dan Ndoye put in a vastly improved shift against Liverpool, capped off by a well-taken opening goal. Leaving Ndoye out of the starting XI after such a performance would be a harsh call, leaving Glasner with tough choices to get his front-line balance right.
Defensive Decisions and Midfield Mechanics
At the back, Saturday could mark a significant milestone for Ousmane Diomande. Aside from a lone Carabao Cup outing against Leeds United, the defender is still awaiting his first Premier League start. While Diomande is viewed as a vital long-term pillar for Forest’s back line, central defensive depth remains thin following a quiet deadline day. Jair Cunha put in a steady, reliable shift against Liverpool and stands ready to retain his place if Glasner opts against rushing Diomande into the fray too quickly. Addressing media concerns over depth, Glasner expressed full confidence in utility options like Nicolo Savona and Ryan Yates to fill the void if necessary.
Out wide at right wing-back, newly arrived Colombian international Daniel Muñoz is pushing for his debut after completing his move. However, having played limited minutes in pre-season for Crystal Palace and arriving late to the squad—not to mention wearing a protective mask in training following summer nasal surgery—Munoz may initially have to settle for a place among the substitutes, leaving Ola Aina to handle starting duties.
In the middle of the park, Ibrahim Sangare has successfully recovered from the knock that forced him to sit out the trip to Merseyside. Even so, Glasner must weigh up whether to disrupt the effective partnership forged by Xaver Schlager and James McAtee, who worked brilliantly in tandem against Liverpool’s midfield engine.
A Defining Test at the City Ground
With a predicted line-up featuring Sels in goal, a back three of Diomande, Milenkovic, and Murillo, and a dynamic supporting cast of Aina, Sangare, McAtee, Williams, Gibbs-White, Ndoye, and Delap, Forest are shaping up for an intense battle.
As the City Ground prepares for a raucous atmosphere this Saturday afternoon, Glasner’s tactical choices will be heavily scrutinized. Whether these new signings hit the ground running or the trusted guard delivers the goods, Forest’s clash against Tottenham promises to be a defining early test of their Premier League ambitions.
