Before The Whistle: Nottingham Forest v Fulham

Written by Drew Heatley on 27th September 2024

Is this our toughest test so far this season?

The stats certainly suggest so. We travel to Nottingham to face a Forest side that is one of just four that remain unbeaten in the Premier League this season.

But we’re in fine fettle ourselves. Believe it or not, this is our joint-longest unbeaten run in the top flight under Marco Silva. We’ve not tasted defeat since the opening day against Manchester United. The flip side of that is that we’ve picked up just one point away from home this season. Saturday is a chance to change that – and knock the Tricky (free-spending) Trees off their perch.

Silva is unlikely to change the starting XI that he’s largely stuck too all season, especially after the impressive showing against Newcastle last week. Raul Jimenez has taken the chance offered to him with both hands and will continue to lead the line. Our central midfield trio, oft criticised for its perceived lack of balance, is starting to show that Marco is indeed a genius, while our back four is looking stronger by the game.

Alex Iwobi and Adama Traore are looking dangerous in attack, and in Reiss Nelson we have an impact sub who more than lives up to that title.

But Forest will be no pushover. They’ve had a similar start to us, and have kept two clean sheets – including one at Anfield in their famous away win. Morgan Gibbs-White may be missing through suspension, but Chris Wood has proved he’s as dangerous as ever, bagging three goals in five games. Callum Hudson-Odoi and Anthony Elanga are also dangers and will provide Antonee Robinson and Kenny Tete with plenty of food for thought.

A point here would be a fantastic one on the road and build on an already solid start. A win would take us more than a quarter of the way to safety. You Whites.