Ange Postecoglou’s first step towards cup silverware begins on Wednesday night as the Tricky Trees travel to face Swansea City in the Carabao Cup.
The biggest story of the night will no doubt be Postecoglou’s tactics, with the manager insisting you’ll see his style in action in Wales.
However, there was a side story set to unfold during the cup match, and it involved a midfielder whom Nuno Espirito Santo never gave a chance.
Earlier in the summer, Marko Stamenic made a permanent move to Swansea City, having never played a competitive match for the Garibaldi.
When Swansea City were drawn against his former club, there was no doubt the idea of proving a point was in the back of his head.
However, the latest reports suggest he may not get a chance.
Marko Stamenic a doubt for Swansea City vs Nottingham Forest
Marko Stamenic would have been hoping to play against his former team, but the midfielder is reportedly a doubt for Wednesday night’s clash.
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According to the BBC, Stamenic missed Swansea’s match against Hull due to a groin problem and that he ‘may also be doubtful for next Wednesday’s Carabao Cup tie against the Premier League club.’
The player picked up the injury against Sheffield Wednesday before the international break, and then had to withdraw from the New Zealand squad as a result.
Marko Stamenic in action for Nottingham Forest
Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images
While Forest will already be heavy favourites to win the tie, it is a boost for Ange Postecoglou’s team.
Chris Wood said Stamenic was showing his quality shortly before he made the move to the Jacks, and he has been displaying that for the EFL club so far.
Marko Stamenic has been excellent for Swansea since leaving Nottingham Forest
Since making the move away from the City Ground, Marko Stamenic has been impressing Swansea City fans.
Before making the move, Stamenic also spoke to Lewis O’Brien about the club, and as things stand, it was the right career choice for the midfielder.
In his first start for Swansea, he picked up an assist with an excellent pass forward.
Already the former Forest man has become a key player for the Jacks, and if he is unavailable on Wednesday night, it will be a major blow for the home team.
And for Stamenic, he’ll miss the chance to prove his old side wrong.