Nottingham Forest has an important run-in coming up this weekend when they return to action following the international break.
After receiving a four-point deduction for violating the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules, the Reds fell into the relegation zone. Since then, the team has filed an appeal against the penalty, but in the interim, focus is being returned to on-field issues.
Forest writer Sarah Clapson had a live Q&A session on our Reds Facebook page ahead of Saturday’s matchup at the City Ground against Crystal Palace. Here’s an overview of how it turned out.
Q: With Reyna at the top, MGW would be worth a try for DM. When he drops deep, he always seems to have greater control, and his dynamism might force opponents to misjudge their positions and create opportunities for an attacking 3/4.
A: Morgan GibbsWe all know that White is skilled with the ball and has the ability to drop deep. I believe that his ideal position is as a No. 10. When you play him in his ideal position, which is as a 10, you get more out of him.
That change suited Nuno well in the beginning of his tenure. When Nuno entered the game and made the adjustment, Gibbs-White, who had been playing out wide under Steve Cooper, nearly found a new lease on life.
The Gio Reyna discussion makes sense. However, given the impact Gibbs-White can have on a game, I believe you should start him at his most productive position, which is a 10, in my opinion. Playing him where he excels makes sense because he has so much quality.
It’s critical to surround him with the appropriate support. Anthony Elanga and Callum Hudson-Odoi on the wings, in my opinion.
Recently, Nuno has frequently sided with Divock Origi. He performed well and appeared intelligent, but the final product was lacking.
Both Hudson-Odoi and Elanga have demonstrated their ability to score goals, provide assists, and move quickly. In my opinion, those two are the best, with Morgan at number ten and Chris Wood likely at the top right now.
I do believe that the strongest team should play first right now. With all the riding on games these days, it’s simply not the time to explore. Utilise players where they are most productive, play with square pegs in square holes, and try to truly make an impression on games.
Q: Once more, Reyna needs to play. He appeared to have skill and ability and recorded two assists for his nation.
A: He’s had a great international camp, for sure. His adventures with the USA will undoubtedly give him a lot of confidence when he returns. For them, he has been producing assists in addition to scoring goals.
Nothing has ever cast doubt on his skill. He hasn’t really demonstrated it in a Forest shirt, that’s all.
Gibbs-White has nearly always been one of the first names on the teamsheet when he plays at position 10, which has been an issue for him. In light of his club exploits, Gibbs-White leads in the pecking order.
Reyna’s chances of breaking into the starting lineup will probably remain difficult, in my opinion. It will be difficult for him to push his way in. He hasn’t exactly stood out in Forest’s games, but he has looked decent.
Without a doubt, I would have used him against Luton. Perhaps Nuno considered the fact that he had recently returned from a knock.
Although I believe he should have more minutes, the challenge is making sure he gets them. I hope he does well and replicates his form for the US at the City Ground, since that will open up more opportunities. It is crucial that he seizes his chances when they present themselves.
He still has nine games remaining to make an impression. Simply put, we haven’t really seen him act like that for Forest yet. I hope he succeeds.
Q: Hopefully, now that the point deduction is complete, the players and staff will feel more at ease, which will hopefully lead to a shift in the outcomes!
A: The appeal means that it’s not quite finished, which is one area of concern. There’s still some room for doubt.
The psychological component for the athletes is where there is a lot of uncertainty. They felt as though they knew what had to be done and were aware of the distance that needed to be closed once the points deduction was applied. There’s still a tiny amount of doubt with the attraction.
Nuno’s task is to ensure that the players don’t give it a second thought. Assume there are four points and that nothing likely to alter. It’s a huge plus if the deduction is lessened.
We are informed that the possibility of the penalty being increased is quite remote. However, it is reportedly improbable that will occur.
Nuno and the players must accept it as a four-point score. Take on a siege mindset similar to what Everton did after realising their deduction.
I’m hoping it can spark a string of successes. Although Nuno has consistently emphasised that everything must be focused on on the pitch, the possibility of the deduction did appear to be a cloud over the team. Even though the appeal implies that everything is still a little unclear, hopefully that is changing now.
Q: Morgan hasn’t played much this season—not many goals, nor many assists. Play Reyna and let go of him. unable to cause harm.
A: I understand both arguments. That emphasises how challenging choosing the team is for Nuno. It’s not simple, particularly when there’s a lot on the queue and demand is high.
Morgan has been quite quiet lately. But he was excellent in the beginning under Nuno. Not only has his play declined somewhat, but the team’s performance has also suffered.
He simply has so much quality that I don’t think it’s time to let him go. He is simply too talented to be overlooked. Despite the fact that he Having a low-key game, he can suddenly materialise with a magical moment.
Although Reyna hasn’t worn a Forest shirt yet, she has looked excellent for the USA. Because of this, I believe Gibbs-White maintains his advantage.
But I would give him a vacation from set pieces. Try Neco Williams; he has proven for Wales that he is a skilled player.
Q: As for the appeal, it’s essentially a free hit because we aren’t allowed to lose any more points. Push it to the back of your mind and move forward.
A very slim chance exists that the points deduction will be enhanced. The Premier League’s regulations explicitly state that appeal boards have this authority. However, the idea is that it is improbable to occur; this does not imply that it cannot or will not. It will be viewed as a free hit because, as you say, the club is undoubtedly aware of it.
The club has expressed their dissatisfaction with the hearing’s conclusion. You can understand why they chose to file an appeal after they released a very pointed statement following the announcement of the deduction.
I hope it’s resolved fast. The same is true of Everton’s second charge. Nobody wants the season to end and the relegation spots to remain undetermined.
Taking charge of the issue on the pitch is the greatest thing Forest can do. Win games and ensure that Everton’s second charge and the outcome of the appeal are unimportant.
