AFC Bournemouth
AFC Bournemouth will be hoping to build on their midweek draw against Wolves when they visit Premier League rivals Nottingham Forest on Saturday (3pm kick-off).
The Cherries added to their opening-day victory against Aston Villa and ended a run of three successive defeats to make it four points from five games.
Forest, promoted via the Championship play-offs last season, have also taken four points from their first five games and are one place above the Cherries in 15th.
Goals from Fabian Schar and Callum Wilson condemned them to a 2-0 defeat at Newcastle before Taiwo Awoniyi’s effort earned them a 1-0 win against West Ham at the City Ground.
Brennan Johnson’s 81st-minute goal looked to have secured them three points at Everton, only for Demarai Gray to level for the Toffees two minutes from time.
Former Cherries striker Sam Surridge netted twice in their Carabao Cup win at Grimsby before Forest suffered back-to-back defeats against Tottenham and Manchester City.
Ahead of Saturday’s clash, afcb.co.uk caught up with Sarah Clapson who covers the fortunes of Forest for the Nottingham Post and Nottinghamshire Live.
NOTTINGHAM FOREST PROFILE
Founded: 1865
Ground: City Ground
Nickname: Forest, Tricky Trees, Reds
Record appearances: Bob McKinlay – 692 games (1951-1969)
Record goalscorer: Grenville Morris – 217 goals in 460 games
Head coach: Steve Cooper (appointed September 2021)
Captain: Joe Worrall (pictured below)
League position: 15th
Leading goalscorer in Premier League: Brennan Johnson and Taiwo Awoniyi (one)
Last game: Manchester City 6-0 Nottingham Forest (Premier League)
afcb.co.uk: Give us a brief summary of Forest’s start to the season?
SC: Overall, most fans and probably the club, are quite happy and positive with the first few games.
There have been a couple of eye-openers. They were caught out a bit in the first game against Newcastle. Tottenham and Manchester City, again a bit of an eye-opener.
But the game against Everton and how they played against Spurs, there’s a lot to be encouraged by and a lot to be positive about.
Forest will really be able to see where they are after the next block of games. I don’t think you can judge too much on the past couple of games.
There has been plenty to build on, plenty to work with and a fair bit to be positive about.
afcb.co.uk: Who’s the pick of their new signings?
SC: A tough one! They have made some really good additions.
Neco Williams (pictured above) has stood out so far and seems to have slotted in well.
He was always going to be filling big boots in terms of Djed Spence who was so good last season and made a really big impact.
So whoever came in had big shoes to fill but he’s more than done that.
He looks a really good addition and looks like he’s been at the club for longer than he has.
He’s made a good impact in games and even against Manchester City he did pretty well considering who he was playing against.
I thought he was the pick of the Forest players. He looks like he can cause problems, he looks like he’s going to get forward and try to make things happen. He’s someone with a lot of potential.
afcb.co.uk: Who is their one to watch?
SC: Morgan Gibbs-White (pictured above).
He came in with a big price tag, a club record deal and there’s a fair bit of expectation on him. He’s done well.
He’s looked like he can be a really good player, someone who will eventually be good value for money.
He doesn’t seem to be fazed by the price tag or any kind of fuss around him.
He’s just got on with the job, he’s looked bright and lively and looks like he can add something different.
Once he gets going, once he gets settled, I think he can be a real threat in games and cause teams problems.
afcb.co.uk: How would you sum up Steve Cooper’s first year in charge?
SC: Excellent. I don’t think you can say enough good things about him.
He’s been terrific and has transformed the club, not just with results and getting them back to the Premier League but the connection between the club as a whole, the players and the fans.
It’s just completely different to where Forest were 12 months ago.
He’s had a massive impact and, whatever happens this season, to be the man who got Forest back into the Premier League after so long, it was just an incredible achievement.
But even the step up to the Premier League, he looks like he’s somebody who can handle and cope with that.
Forest don’t just want to survive at this level, they want to thrive. I know that’s a big ask but he’s really taken to it well.
His man-management is terrific. He’s got to pick up the players after losing 6-0 to Manchester City and that’s one of his strengths.
He gets the best out of the players and brings on young players. He’s been a fantastic choice.
He gets what Forest is all about, he has embraced the history and the challenge. The fans love him and quite rightly so.
afcb.co.uk: Are any key players either injured or suspended against the Cherries?
SC: Moussa Niakhate, Orel Mangala (both hamstring) and Omar Richards (hairline fracture of the leg) are all out injured.
afcb.co.uk: Which Forest player would you recommend for FPL?
SC: Brennan Johnson (pictured above). A player with a bright future and a real up and coming talent.
He’s taken a little while to get going this season but once he gets going, I’m sure he’s going to thrive in the Premier League.
He’s certainly got the talent and ability.
afcb.co.uk: How do you see the game panning out and what’s your score prediction?
SC: Forest are going to want a response after Wednesday.
Having spoken to Steve Cooper after the game, he said they were as motivated as ever.
They want to get back on the pitch straight away and show what they are about and what they can do.
They didn’t show the best version of themselves at the Etihad and they will be eager to do that at home.
They are a real threat and a danger with the crowd behind them.
They like to get on the front foot, they like to get forward and they’ve got so much attacking talent.
I’ll go for a 3-0 win to Forest.
You can follow Sarah on Twitter – @Sarah_Clapson
