Domestic football returns this weekend as both Forest and Palace have to wait until Monday Night Football to see their teams in action.
During the break, we had a chat with the guys at The Famous Club to find out how the season has started for Forest and much more.
TEB – Are you happy with the summer transfer business by Forest? Were there any areas not strengthened that should have been?
TFC – Forest’s transfer business has been a little chaotic in recent years — partly by design, partly by fault. We were promoted with half a squad and there’s been an element of rebuilding ever since. However, this summer was strategic and well-planned — lessons had been learned and it showed.
We strengthened in areas we needed and managed to get great value for those we brought in — Elliot Anderson and Nikola Milenkovic, in particular, were quality signings who’ve easily slotted into the first team. We all expected a big-money striker, although Chris Wood keeps scoring while Taiwo Awoniyi regains fitness, and it looks like Jota Silva can play there too, so maybe we’re okay.
TEB – It’s been a strong start to the season for Forest and Nuno. What are your thoughts so far and what can Palace expect to face in terms of football style?
TFC – Having come in halfway through last season, Nuno has clearly benefitted from a full summer with the squad. He knows our strengths and weaknesses — some addressed by transfers — and the players have clearly bought into his philosophy as there’s a real belief and togetherness at the club.
Usually, we’re lining up in a 4-2-3-1 formation but it looks like our number ten Morgan Gibbs-White is injured so Nuno might tweak things. Like Palace, we’re quick in transition although we tend to have more possession these days than our recent soak-up-the-pressure-and-play-on-the-break tactic.
TEB – After Nottingham Forest’s statement regarding VAR last season, what are your thoughts on the technology and do you believe it should remain?
TFC – I’m probably alone in this, but I think there’s too much at stake in modern football for there not be VAR. It just has to be used correctly… or better? Semi-automated offside technology should help and given how effective VAR has been at international tournaments, surely it should eliminate human error — not introduce it? Obviously, the jury’s still out but it’s not been wildly problematic this season — for Forest, at least — and hopefully it will be a useful benefit and not a hindrance going forward.
TEB – Expectations for this season?
TFC – I predicted a 14th placed finish at the start of the season and I’ll stick with that. It’s not been a bad few months and hopefully we’ll continue to pick up points from unlikely sources. A settled squad makes a big difference and a bit of stability is never a bad thing at Forest. It’s still a work in progress so growing and developing as a squad, and establishing the club in the Premier League is really the short-term goal.
TEB – Best player for Forest so far?
TFC – We’ve had good performances across the pitch this season — the defence have developed an understanding and solidity, the midfield is balanced and we have a wealth of talent upfront… it’s hard to pick. But it’s also hard to overlook Morgan Gibbs-White — he’s the man who makes things tick, he’s been Forest’s talisman since signing two years ago and we’re rarely at our best without him.
TEB – If you could sign one current player from Palace, who would it be?
TFC – Evidently there’s a lot of talent at Palace — Dean Henderson could’ve ended up on a permanent deal with Forest, as Eddie Nketiah almost did. Marc Guehi impressed in the European Championships, and while Eberechi Eze would undoubtedly light up the City Ground — let’s hope he doesn’t in this game! I do think however that Adam Wharton is the one for me. He’s the kind of midfielder you don’t come across very often, and he evidently has a very high ceiling.
TEB – Favourite away day in the Premier League?
TFC – We’ve only had two seasons back in the Premier League after 23 years in the wilderness, so it’s hard to be definitive… but Selhurst Park was an absolute party the first season we stayed up, and it’s always a welcoming, friendly ground. It’s also been a while since we lost there.
TEB – Predictions for the game including final score?
TFC – It’s going to be a draw isn’t it? It’s always a draw. Forest haven’t been quite at their best at home, both sides have injuries and Monday Night Football often points that way. Let’s go 1-1, although I’ll be hoping Forest sneak it 2-1.
