Chris Hughton will be hoping to make it two from two tonight, as the Reds welcome Rotherham to the City Ground.
A well earned, hard fought first win of the season at Ewood Park, on Saturday afternoon will provide a much needed confidence boost to the Reds after their worst start to a season in 50 years.
With a new manager at the helm there did appear to be much consternation an hour before Saturday’s game – the time when fans get a first look at the team news. You’d have been forgiven for thinking Sabri Lamouchi had picked the team that Chris Hughton in fact sent out.
The great fan divider, Ryan Yates, earned a place back in the starting XI and his selection was hugely justified. A steely, industrial performance saw Yates dominate the midfield and even managed to assist Joe Lolley’s late winner.
Tobias Figueiredo returned to the team too and his selection also appeared to be a masterstroke from Chris Hughton. The Portuguese centre half complimented Scott McKenna perfectly at the back and despite getting an early yellow card, the occasionally reckless and nerves wrangling Figueiredo never looked in danger of crossing the line.
In terms of expected absentees, Joe Worrall, Tyler Blackett and Fouad Bachirou are the only players currently expected the be unavailable for selection.
The Reds will be hoping to get their first home win of the campaign as Paul Warne’s Rotherham are the visitors. The Miller’s, like Forest, only have just the one win this season. Although for the away side that came on the opening day at fellow Championship newcomers Wycombe.
The visitors will be without the injured Chieo Ogbenne and centre back Angus Macdonald will also miss the clash through suspension.
After Hughton’s arrival and debut win the Reds are favourites for this encounter. A win and Forest set themselves up for the big, East Midlands Derby on Friday night.
Or will we see another display of “typical Forest”; turning up and performing against those higher up in the league and then failing to back those performances up against teams Forest are expected to wipe the floor with?
*Article provided by Joe Freeman (Nottingham Forest Correspondent).
*Main image @NFFC Reds Manager Chris Hughton will be looking to make it two on the bounce.
