Second string 'not as good as we hoped'
Some Nottingham Forest fans will have the seen the stat circulating at the weekend, highlighting that the Reds were the highest-placed club left in the FA Cup.
Anyone who knows Forest knows that these kind of details are almost meaningless: firstly, because the likes of Manchester City, Manchester United and Aston Villa are still in the fifth round; and secondly, we still had to play Exeter City.
The fourth round proved how effective clubs such as the Grecians, Plymouth Argyle, Leyton Orient and Birmingham City can be against Premier League opposition. And the fact that it took penalties, and a few scary moments for the Reds to progress, prove how well Exeter played.
The first XI will be more familiar against Fulham on Saturday but, if nothing else, last night's game proved that Nuno Espírito Santo's second-string side is not as effective as we hoped.
Some performed admirably — seeing Ibrahim Sangare pulling the strings in midfield and displaying his wide passing range was a positive. However, some clearly need match time and will remain squad players for the time being.
Hopefully Taiwo Awoniyi and Carlos Miguel will recover quickly, as Forest's record of having the fewest injuries in the Premier League (and days lost to them) are a clear factor in their current position in the table. Keeping the players fresh is undoubtedly at the forefront of Nuno's mind — although a long night in Devon might quickly erase the memory of a week in Dubai.
Our opponents in upcoming weeks are facing their own injury issues and, with two games against Ipswich Town in quick succession — an FA Cup fifth-round tie at home followed by a Premier League game away — the Reds will be depending on their stars of the season so far to keep things alive.
Find more from Pat Riddell at The Famous Club
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New York Times
27 minutes ago
- New York Times
Leeds United close to signing striker Lukas Nmecha on free transfer
Leeds United are close to securing the signing of forward Lukas Nmecha on a free transfer. The 26-year-old's deal at German side Wolfsburg expires at the end of the month. A move to Leeds would become official on July 1 and an agreement on a two-year contract is in place. The Germany international came through Manchester City's academy alongside his brother, Felix, who plays for Borussia Dortmund. Nmecha made just three substitute appearances for City and had loan spells with Preston North End, Wolfsburg, Middlesbrough and Anderlecht — where he scored 21 goals in a season under Vincent Kompany — before returning to Wolfsburg permanently in 2021. Nmecha has represented Germany seven times at senior level, having switched allegiances permanently from England in 2019. He helped his nation win the European Under-21 Championship in 2021 and finished as the top goalscorer at the tournament. The centre forward made 20 appearances for Wolfsburg in the 2024-25 campaign, three of which were starts, and scored three goals. The beginning of his season was disrupted by a hamstring injury, while he also missed five games in February and March due to an adductor issue. Advertisement Nmecha has recorded 19 goals and four assists in 85 matches for the Bundesliga club. Nmecha would become Leeds' first signing of the summer transfer window upon their return to the Premier League. Daniel Farke's side pipped Burnley to the Championship title on the final day of the 2024-25 season on goal difference, securing their return to the top-flight after two years in England's second tier. ()
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
'Made contact this week' – Latest Romano update on Chelsea target is bad news for supporters
'Made contact this week' – Latest Romano update on Chelsea target is bad news for supporters Aston Villa have started talks with Real Betis over a move for Chelsea target Jesus Rodriguez according to Fabrizio Romano. The Blues are once again set for a busy summer and are looking to add more players having already completed the signing of Liam Delap. Advertisement Chelsea face a critical window and the club are also looking to add a versatile forward, centre back and left winger to bolster Enzo Maresca's squad. Aston Villa open talks for Chelsea target Rodriguez Chelsea have identified they need to sign a left winger, and that's been made even more urgent by the departure of Jadon Sancho. There's set to be plenty of movement in the wides areas, and Chelsea are also thought to be open to offers for Noni Madueke. Borussia Dortmund's Jamie Gittens has been identified as a top target, but Chelsea are also interested in Spain under-21 international Rodriguez. Rodriguez is attracting interest from the Premier League. (Photo by) Advertisement Chelsea are reportedly hopeful of signing the 19-year-old this summer, but Romano has provided an update which could be a problem for the Blues. He took to and said: 'EXCL: Aston Villa start club to club talks for Real Betis talent Jesús Rodriguez. 2005 born talent on shortlist of several clubs but Villa made contact this week to start discussions.' Rodriguez who managed three goals and two assists in 32 appearances in all competitions, is said to be valued at around £35m. Chelsea expected to sign Jamie Gittens Whilst it's unclear if Chelsea will make a serious attempt to sign Rodriguez, the Blues are set to revisit a deal for Gittens. Advertisement More Stories / Latest News 'Made contact this week' – Latest Romano update on Chelsea target is bad news for supporters 15th Jun 2025, 02:00pm 'Tough situation'- Expert warns Chelsea ace with 34 G/A could leave for free this summer 15th Jun 2025, 01:30pm Report: Surprise Champions League club could move for 13 goal Chelsea ace if they don't land top target 15th Jun 2025, 01:00pm Chelsea had multiple offers for Gittens rejected this week, but the expectation is a deal gets completed later this summer. Gittens has agreed terms on a seven year contract at Stamford Bridge and wants to join Chelsea, so it feels like it's a case of when rather than if on this transfer.
New York Post
an hour ago
- New York Post
Rays vs. Mets odds, prediction: MLB best bets, picks Sunday
Gambling content 21+. The New York Post may receive an affiliate commission if you sign up through our links. Read our editorial standards for more information. Actress Sydney Sweeney is 'cleaning up.' A soap, allegedly made with her 'used bath water' is selling for as much as $2,000 a bar on eBay. Warning! This product has not yet met with FDA approval and is not recommended for a late Father's Day gift. This may, however, explain why French President Emmanuel Macron's wife slapped him last month. Let's go Mets! Former Halo Griffin Canning has been heaven-sent. He's 6-2 wearing the blue and orange, but the Nats zapped him (four runs) in his most recent start. The Rays' Shane Baz has allowed three runs in each of his past three starts. Shane Baz Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images $50 on the Mets. Go Daddy, go! Reds 11, Tigers 1. Cincy scored six runs off Jumpy Jack Flaherty in the fifth frame. Learn all you need to know about MLB Betting Tyler Stephenson's grand salami the biggest blow. And beautiful music from Reds starter Brady Singer (one run, six innings). The dogs have treated us well this week. Down -112 concepcions. Why Trust New York Post Betting The one and only Stitches has been handicapping baseball, daily, for the Post since 2019. Miraculously, he has finished in the black twice. But wait there's more. He showed his versatility by winning the Post's NFL Best Bet crown last year.
