Yuri is back after ban but will he miss out?
NOTTINGHAM Forest boss Chris Hughton faces a dilemma of whether to stick or twist when it comes to his starting line-up for tomorrow’s away game against Wycombe Wanderers in the Championship.
The Reds came from behind to beat Coventry City 2-1 on Tuesday night, having gone three games without a victory in all competitions.
And Hughton must decide whether to give another run-out to a winning team, or make changes as his side look to make it back-toback victories against rock-bottom Wycombe.
Yuri Ribeiro is available for tomorrow’s clash after serving a three-match suspension for a red card against Middlesbrough.
But with the manager stressing the importance of consistency, particularly in defence, will he come straight back into the starting lineup?
Gaetan Bong has stepped in at left-back while Ribeiro has been ruled out and done a decent job, including helping to keep a clean sheet against Barnsley.
Centre-back Scott Mckenna is expected to be sidelined for “weeks rather than days” with an ankle injury.
But although Hughton does have options in Loic Mbe Soh and Michael Dawson, it seems likely he will stick with the pairing of Joe Worrall and Tobias Figueiredo.
There could also be a decision to make in midfield, if Samba Sow is available.
The 31-year-old missed out against the Sky Blues, having been described as “touch and go” for that trip to St Andrew’s.
New signing James Garner made his debut on Tuesday night and will almost certainly keep his place after an impressive performance in midfield.
He started the evening alongside Cafu, who is potentially Sow’s biggest rival for a starting spot tomorrow, with Ryan Yates expected to be absent again.
Jack Colback could be in contention, too, but has only just made his comeback from a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Further up the pitch, Hughton does have attacking options, with Luke Freeman having come off the bench in midweek.
It would be a surprise if he does not field the trio of Sammy Ameobi, Filip Krovinovic and Anthony Knockaert again, however.
Lewis Grabban’s goal – his third of the season – will have done his confidence the power of good, as he repaid the faith Hughton has shown by sticking by him.
It means Lyle Taylor and Glenn Murray, who made a cameo appearance for his debut, will likely have to wait for their chance. ■■Predicted Forest XI: Samba, Christie, Figueiredo, Worrall, Ribeiro, Garner, Sow, Ameobi, Krovinovic, Knockaert, Grabban.