Nottingham Forest have struggled in recent years and only managed to retain their Championship status avoiding a relegation scare last season. However, they made a decent start under new boss Mark Warburton this campaign but lost their way following a couple of consecutive defeats in past two game weeks. Forest are now set to travel to Stadium of Light ahead of their tricky encounter against Sunderland on Tuesday night with hope to be back in the winning ways.
This is how Nottingham Forest might line up against the Black Cats.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Forest boss Warburton switched to a ‘back three’ formation on Saturday evening against Sheffield Wednesday which did not pay off and the visitors eventually suffered a 3-1 defeat at Hillsborough. The gaffer is expected to return to his old ‘back four’ against the struggling Black Cats where a 4-2-3-1 lineup might be fielded.
GK: Jordan Smith
Young custodian Jordan Smith will retain his place due to the unavailability of Adam Federici who is out with a knee injury.
RB: Tendayi Darikwa
Although he had an unimpressive outing against Sheffield Wednesday, the right-back is believed to keep his place in the starting XI.
CB: Joe Worrall
The English youth international has been a massive influence in Forest back-line and will retain his place despite being hammered by the Owls a couple of days back.
CB: Matt Mills
The veteran Englishman was dropped against Sheffield Wednesday but is expected to return in place of Jack Hobbs to partner Worrall in the heart of the defence.
LB: Armand Traore
Traore too was benched against their Saturday opponents but is tipped to reclaim his place replacing Daniel Fox.
CM: Andreas Bouchalakis
The Greek midfielder came on as an early substitute in place of Zach Clough. He is now set to start against the Black Cats at Stadium of Light.
CM: Liam Bridcutt
The former Leeds United skipper has been regular in Forest midfield since joining them in late August. He will retain his place in central midfield against his former employers.
RM: Ben Osborn
Osborn scored a first half equalizer against the Owls and set to start in a wide role against Sunderland.
LM: Barrie McKay
The former Rangers winger is in scintillating form since joining Forest this summer. He will keep his place against the Black Cats.
CAM: Kieran Dowell
The English youth international has been in flying form since joining Forest on a season-long loan deal from Everton. He came on as a second half substitute in place of youngster Ben Brereton against the Owls but expected to start against Sunderland in the midweek encounter.
ST: Daryl Murphy
The veteran forward came on as a second half substitute in place of Jason Cummings. Murphy has already netted thrice this season and set for a first team return tomorrow.
This is how Forest boss Warburton will field his side against Sunderland.
