Will Murray keep place against Cherries?
GLENN Murray answered his critics in emphatic fashion last weekend when he bagged a brace on his full debut for Nottingham Forest, writes Sarah Clapson.
But will he keep his place in the starting line-up for tomorrow’s Championship home clash against Bournemouth?
That is perhaps the biggest selection dilemma facing boss Chris Hughton ahead of taking on the Cherries at the City Ground (12.30pm kick-off).
A slight injury to Lewis Grabban ruled him out of the trip to Wycombe Wanderers, with Murray getting his chance up front as a result – and he grasped it with both hands.
The January signing set the visitors on their way to a 3-0 win with a brilliant early goal, then won and scored a penalty for his second of the afternoon.
The Reds manager said afterwards he hoped Grabban would be able to train in the latter part of this week, which could potentially mean he is available for the City Ground match.
He has been first-choice striker this term but has struggled to find the back of the net, with three goals to his name.
If there is even the slightest doubt over Grabban, Murray is sure to keep his place. But Hughton may opt to stick with him regardless, rather than change a winning team too much.
Forest could have some of their other injured players also pushing for a return this weekend.
Sammy Ameobi was not risked at Adams Park after taking a whack to his knee against Coventry City. Luke Freeman and Anthony Knockaert took up the wide roles last time out but Joe Lolley came on for the final 20 minutes and made an impact from off the bench, setting up Knockaert for the Reds’ third. Lolley will hope he did enough to put himself in contention for a firstteam spot, particularly as Freeman is still working his way back to match sharpness following a long spell on the sidelines. Hughton could also have more choices in midfield, if Samba Sow, Harry Arter or Ryan Yates have recovered from their respective injuries. Manchester United loanee James
Garner is a certain starter, given the positive impression he has made, but there could be a question mark over who lines up alongside him.
Cafu got the nod last week, and there is certainly an argument for not changing the team too much. But, if others are available, the centre of the pitch could be one area where Hughton considers making a tweak.
At the back, with Gaetan Bong having played a part in helping to keep a clean sheet last saturday, Yuri Ribeiro could be kept waiting for his opportunity to reclaim the left-back position.
■■Predicted Forest
XI: Samba, Christie, Figueiredo, Worrall, Bong, Garner, Cafu, Lolley, Krovinovic, Knockaert, Murray.