A win against Brighton mid-week has given Nottingham Forest a glimmer of hope in their fight for Premier League survival. A win against Europe chasing Brentford would put them in touching distance of safety, can they get the job done in the Capital?
It’s finally happened, Nottingham Forest’s abysmal run of form has finally come to an end; and in fantastic fashion as well. The Reds were brilliant against Brighton, they looked great going forward and remained tough at the back, for the first time in months they actually looked like a Premier League side with a performance that dragged them out of the bottom-three.
Whilst Nottingham Forest are chasing a second season in the top flight, Brentford are excelling in theirs; as they hunt down a European spot. The Bees have been one of the surprise packages of the season, and after going six games with a win they picked up their first three points since mid-March with a rather lucky win against Chelsea. It might have been a lucky win, but it could be the result Thomas Frank’s side need to propel them up the table.
WHEN AND WHERE?
Where: Brentford Community Stadium, London.
When: Saturday 29th April 2023.
Time: 15:00 GMT
MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee: Peter Bankes.
Assistants: Eddie Smart, Mark Scholes.
Fourth official: Graham Scott.
VAR: Neil Swarbrick.
Assistant VAR: Dan Robathan.
TEAM NEWS
There are no significant injuries from the Brentford camp, other than Christian Norgaard and Kristoffer Ajer who are likely to return in the next few weeks.
The City Ground has been a revolving door of injuries this season, and Moussa Niakhate, who was out from September to March, looks to be injured again after limping off early against Brighton. He rejoins a long list of injured Forest players, as does Neco Williams’ who’s recent redemption has been derailed by a season-ending jaw fracture – two more key players now out of action as Forest gear up to fight off the drop.
MATCH ANALYSIS
It can’t be hidden that Forest were lucky against Brighton. Yes, they were also brilliant, but they missed some crucial chances and welcomed some poor finishing from Brighton which allowed them to roll on to all three points. Let’s not dwell on the negatives, this performance has been coming from Steve Cooper’s side, who built on an excellent performance against Liverpool and really took the game to Brighton. They pressed well, whilst remaining tight at the back and it finally looks like things are clicking on the banks of the Trent.
The loss of Niakhate and Williams could force Cooper to switch up his formation again, with Aurier likely to move back to RB in a back-four, rather than a right-sided centre-half in a back-five. It’s a tactical tweak he wouldn’t wanted to have made, and one he could avoid if he shoehorns Kouyate in to a back five.
Brentford will see this as an opportunity to keep their form going, after beating Chelsea last time out, and could see them switch it up as well. Typically, Franks’ side look to sit deep, give the opposition the possession and pack their box – forcing opponents to shoot from range or work the ball into the box, an as Chelsea found, it’s not easy. It might be tougher for Forest than it was against Brighton, with the side relying so much on Counter attacks and winning possession high up to create chances. Brentford’s ability to move forward quickly and often go long could see Steve Cooper’s side struggle to get into the game.
KEY PLAYERS
Brentford – Ivan Toney
Brentford’s attacking options of Wissa, Mbuemo and Toney can be frightening. Whoever Frank picks to partner his frontman, Ivan Toney will always be the focal point of Brentford attack and there is a reason for it. Toney is one of the best finishers in the Premier League, and has averaged a goal every other game over the last 10 games. The English international has gone from strength to strength and will be key in his side’s push for European football. Toney has quite literally scored in every other game – a run going back to January – unfortunately for Forest fans, he didn’t score midweek, if recent weeks are anything to go by, Toney finds the back of the net again on Saturday.
Nottingham Forest – Danilo
Could Danilo be the player to kick-start Forest’s survival push? The Brazilian has waited patiently for his chance to shine, and the patience has certainly paid off. Danilo was excellent against Brighton and even got himself on the scoresheet in the process. He has helped rebuild this Forest midfield alongside Mangala, with his energy and ability on the ball not only helping Forest remain defensively strong, but also allows them to play through the pitch instead of having to go long to Johnson. He could be key in breaking through a tough Brentford backline.
PREDICTED LINEUPS
Predicted Brentford lineup vs Nottingham Forest: Raya, Henry, Mee, Pinnock, Zanka, Roerslev, Janelt, Onyeka, Jensen, Mbuemo, Toney.
Predicted Nottingham Forest lineup vs Brentford: Navas, Lodi, Felipe, Kouyate, Worrall, Aurier, Mangala, Danilo, Gibbs-White, Awoniyi, Johnson.
