It has been a strong start to the Sky Bet Championship season from Nottingham Forest, with Mark Warburton’s side sat in the top-six heading into the campaign’s first international break.
Forest have picked up three victories from their first five fixtures, but entered the international break on the back of a disappointing defeat to Leeds United, who beat Warburton’s side 2-0 at the City Ground.
Following the weekend’s international break, Forest are back in league action this weekend, with Warburton’s side travelling to South Yorkshire to take on Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough in the weekend’s teatime kick-off.
The Reds will come up against another tough opponent on their trip to Yorkshire, but Carlos Carvalhal’s side have failed to make a positive start to the season, having picked up just six-points.
Here at FLW we believe Warburton must make a few minor changes to his Forest side for their trip to Hillsborough and really take the game to the hosts – here is the starting XI we believe Warburton should pick.
GK: Jordan Smith
Smith has featured in all five of Forest’s fixtures so far this season, with the 22-year-old goalkeeper impressing.
The addition of Adam Federici on deadline day looked to spell the end for Smith’s run in the team, but an injury to the Australian has left the door open for Smith to continue this weekend.
RB: Tendayi Darikwa
Darikwa has been given the nod ahead of Eric Lichaj so far this season by Warburton, with the former Burnley man impressing for the Reds.
It is likely that Warburton will not want to shake things up too much following the Leeds defeat, and Darikwa will be expected to start once again.
CB: Joe Worrall
The young defender has been excellent since he broke into the Forest first-team, and he has formed a good partnership with Matt Mills so far this season in defence.
Warburton will be looking for consistency in defence and it is likely Worrall will continue.
CB: Matt Mills
Mills will be expected to retain his place alongside Worrall against Sheffield Wednesday.
The 31-year-old’s experience is vital alongside Worrall in defence, and so far the duo look like they could be a strong partnership for Warburton’s side.
LB: Armand Traore
Warburton will be desperately looking to keep a settled defence, which will be vital in helping Forest compete for the top-six throughout the season.
Despite a difficult afternoon against Leeds United in Forest’s last fixture, Warburton should stick with his defensive unit for the upcoming trip to Sheffield.
CDM: Liam Bridcutt
Bridcutt arrived from Leeds late in the transfer window, going straight into Warburton’s starting XI against his former club before the international break.
The midfielder struggled against Leeds, but having had time to settle, he will be vital for Warburton’s side, particularly away from home, where he will be disciplined and break up play.
CAM: Kieran Dowell
The Everton loan star has shown some nice touches since his arrival at the City Ground and should be given more of an opportunity to impress against Sheffield Wednesday.
Dowell has one goal to his name so far this season, but the 19-year-old may have to put in a more disciplined performance away from home.
CAM: Zach Clough
Clough lines up alongside Dowell in an attacking midfield role in our team, with the experienced Bridcutt giving the duo a licence to attack.
Of course Forest are away from home and will have to be cautious of Sheffield Wednesday’s threat, meaning that both Dowell and Clough will have to put in extra work in defence as well as attack.
RM: Barrie McKay
McKay has been excellent for Forest so far this season, causing opposition all sorts of problems in the wide areas.
The Scotsman has two goals to his name already this season and will undoubtedly be in the mood to add to that tally after the international break.
LM: Ben Brereton
The England youth international burst onto the scene for Forest last season, and despite not yet making a major impact this year, his time will surely come sooner rather than later.
Brereton’s energy in attack will be vital for Forest away from home, and if they are to catch Wednesday out and pick up three-points, the 18-year-old could be key.
ST: Daryl Murphy
Murphy is another summer signing who has been exceptional so far this season for Forest, helping Warburton’s side overcome the departure of Britt Assombalonga.
The Irish international has scored three goals already this season, and he will be key for Forest when they travel to Sheffield.