Nottingham Forest take on Crystal Palace this weekend as the Premier League action resumes following the international break
Igor Jesus celebrates scoring for Nottingham Forest against Aston Villa
Igor Jesus celebrates scoring for Nottingham Forest against Aston Villa(Image: Getty)
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Head coach Oliver Glasner has had plenty of time to think about his Nottingham Forest team for this weekend’s return to Premier League action.
By the time the Reds head south to face Crystal Palace on Sunday (2pm kick-off), it will have been three weeks since their last game. They have had a long wait for a chance to put right their 1-0 home defeat to Coventry City prior to the international break.
There is added intrigue around the clash at Selhurst Park given it is a return to his former stomping ground for Glasner. For Forest, though, the focus will simply be on trying to get back to winning ways.
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A number of players have been away on international duty so Glasner will have been keeping his fingers crossed all returned without any injury issues. For some of those who have been with their countries, it has been a busy schedule.
For others, the hiatus has provided an opportunity for some rest and recovery. Defender Nikola Milenkovic missed the Reds’ two games prior to the break due to injury but is expected to be available to take on the Eagles.
Whether Glasner opts to recall the Serbian is another matter. Ousmane Diomande took on the role of central lynchpin in the three-man back line in Milenkovic’s absence, with Jair Cunha to his right and Murillo on his left against Coventry.
Forest had earmarked Diomande to play as the right-sided centre-back when they signed him in the summer. It was felt the Ivory Coast international would combine well with Milenkovic and Murillo.
Jair has started the season in fine form, though, and will be full of confidence after representing Brazil for the first time. Milenkovic, by contrast, has not necessarily been at his best this term.
Glasner must weigh up whether to bring the latter back into the team or stick with the same defensive set-up as last time out. If he does reinstate Milenkovic, should it be at the expense of Jair or of Diomande?
The Reds boss is not one to make too many changes week to week so it might be his line-up is very similar to the one that lost to the Sky Blues. Ola Aina could well have his work cut out to oust Daniel Munoz from the right wing-back spot now the Colombian has staked his claim.
Ibrahim Sangare might be facing the same challenge in midfield. Xaver Schlager and James McAtee had formed a good partnership prior to the pause in Premier League action.
However, there is surely a dilemma over who starts alongside Morgan Gibbs-White behind striker Liam Delap. Glasner could have a difficult decision to make in that position.
Dan Ndoye has been his preferred partner for Gibbs-White in the two No.10 slots. The Switzerland international has been excellent for his country during the latest camp but he hasn’t quite been able to replicate such performances in the Garibaldi.
Igor Jesus on the other hand, has made an impact from off the bench in the past two matches for the Reds. The Brazilian will hope he has done enough to get the nod in the capital.
Forest predicted XI: Sels; Jair, Diomande, Murillo; Munoz, Schlager, McAtee, Williams; Gibbs-White, Jesus; Delap.
Nottingham Forest reporter Sarah Clapson
Nottingham Forest reporter Sarah Clapson