Key Players:
In terms of key players, look no further than Britt Assombalonga. The speedy striker has scored three goals in three games this season, but will miss out on Sunday due to injury.
Elsewhere, Henri Lansbury is now in his fifth season with Forest and continues to pull the strings in midfield. Lansbury has probably been his team’s most consistent player this season. At the back, Michael Mancienne has been impressive, particularly in the 3-1 win at home to Leeds. The big man has represented England at every level from under 16 to under 21.
Manager:
Philippe Montanier could be classed as the manager, but the Frenchman was appointed in pre-season as a head coach. A role typically associated with concentration on day to day training rather than management of the club as a whole. Montanier has been relatively successful in his managerial career so far. In 2009, the former goalkeeper led Boulogne to Ligue Un for the first time in their history. Perhaps more remarkably, Montanier has taken La Liga outsiders Real Sociedad into the Champions League.
How they’ve done so far:
At Rennes, head coach Philippe Montanier was sacked for losing too many home games. Contrastively, Forest have won every home game this season. The midlands outfit started their season with a 4-3 win at home to Burton Albion. However, after that opening day victory, the Reds were brought crashing down the next week, going 3-0 down to Brighton. A 1-0 defeat away to Brentford followed to make it one win in three, but recently things have picked up for the former European Cup winners. Against Wigan, new boy Aspostolos Vellios missed a penalty which ultimately didn’t matter as Forest ran out 4-3 victors again, this time thanks to a 93rd minute Thomas Lam winner. The Reds most recent game was slightly more comfortable, a midfield trio of Chris Cohen, Henri Lansbury and Pajtim Kasami dominated as they came out 3-1 winners against Leeds.
Transfer Window:
Nicklas Bendtner is sure to boost shirt sales, but the Danish international is not guaranteed to start on Sunday. Someone who would’ve started against Villa is winger Oliver Burke, the Championship’s joint top scorer this season with four goals. However, the Scotsman moved to German outfit Red Bull Leipzig before the window closed for a fee of 13 million, a big price considering Burke is only 19. One of the more interesting transfers this season for Forest has come from Portugal. Hildeberto Pereira, on loan from Benfica, has filled in at right-back this season, even though the attack minded Portugal international is a winger. If he bombs forward, this could leave space for the likes of Grealish or Ayew to exploit.
How to watch:
Kick-off: 11/09/16 – 13:15pm
TV: Sky Sports
Radio: BBC WM 95.6 (Not Online)
