Nottingham Forest Match Preview

Neither David Moyes, nor Julen Lopetegui managed to claim maximum points when they took West Ham United to The City Ground. Graham Potter gets the chance to see if he can put that particular record straight when he arrives in the East Midlands this afternoon.

The home side have had their troubles off the pitch recently, so the Hammers will be hoping they can take advantage and finally get their season up and running.

Potter was hoping for a positive result at Wolverhampton Wanderers on Tuesday night, however, his sides miserable start to the new campaign continued as they were knocked out of the Carabao Cup. The club are currently rock bottom of the Premier League table and without a point to their name, so the ever-loyal fanbase will hope for lift-off here before the international break.

There may be unrest between Forest Head-Coach Nuno Espírito Santo and a number of the club’s hierarchy, but results wise, the Tricky Trees are performing pretty well, having picked up four points from their two opening matches and they go into this encounter having had a full week to prepare.

Although today’s visitors were denied progression to the third-round of the Carabao Cup five days ago, Potter stated that despite the defeat, he did see a lot of positives at Molineux to take forward into this game. This was reflected in his responses during the pre-match news conference on Friday. Us fans will have to see if his comments come to fruition.

Friday was a busy day in terms of transfer activity. It is as yet unknown whether Mateus Fernandes will make his debut while 21-year-old Frenchman Soungoutou Magassa’s signing was confirmed with the midfielder arriving from AS Monaco for an undisclosed fee on a long-term contract.

However, confirmation of the deal came too late for him to be registered.

There could be changes in the striker’s position, as Callum Wilson could finally be handed a first start.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka is set to regain his place after missing out completely in the Black Country.

The club’s current run of conceding goals showed no sign of abating against Vitor Pereira’s men on Tuesday night, despite Potter opting to go with Alphonse Areola ahead of Mads Hermansen. The Head-Coach must decide whether to stick with the Frenchman or restore the Dane in goal.

James Ward-Prowse was unable to play in the corresponding fixture last term, due to him being on loan with Espírito Santo’s men but he will be hoping to give the home supporters a taste of what he’s really capable of this time around.

The match is a 2pm kick-off and live coverage will be screened by Sky Sports from 1pm. The referee is Craig Pawson.