With the new Football League season just ten days away, we look at Nottingham Forest’s possible starting line-up for their season opener against Brighton & Hove Albion, live on Sky Sports.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Goalkeeper
Despite the recent capture of Leicester Goalkeeper Ben Hamer on loan for the season, Dorus De Vries seems likely to keep his place in Forest’s goal, having played in three of Forest’s five friendlies so far in pre season.
Defenders
Forest haven’t got the luxury of choosing from three or four fullbacks, with Danny Fox and Eric Lichaj the only two registered fullbacks currently at the club, therefore it is more then likely that Fox will play at Left Back, and Lichaj will play at Right Back. Forest have however, got a number of options when it comes to Centre Backs, the strongest partnership that Forest have to offer is probably Matt Mills and Jack Hobbs, therefore I expect them to complete the back four for the game against Brighton.
Midfielders
With Forest having just two strikers currently fit, it is more then likely that Dougie Freedman will opt for one upfront, therefore five in the Midfield. Ben Osborn is currently carrying a minor shoulder injury, therefore we think that David Vaughan and Robert Tesche will sit in front of the defence, whilst Henri Lansbury fills in for Osborn behind the striker. Michail Antonio was one of the best players in the Championship last season and so we fully expect him to start at Left Wing, which leaves one more place at Right Wing. We think that Chris Burke will fill this position ahead of new signing Jamie Ward. Both have the quality to contribute, but we feel that Burke will get the nod ahead of his team mate on this occasion.
Striker
Dexter Blackstock and Tyler Walker are the only two fit strikers that Forest currently have registered, trialist Nicky Maynard has not been offered a contract, and Dougie Freedman has still not made his mind up over the future of trialist Paul Taylor, therefore we think that Dexter Blackstock will play as the lone striker against Brighton.
See the full side below!
featured image credit: Garth Newton (Geograph)
