Video: Philippe Montanier explains his squad rotation policy
After back-to-back draws on the road, Nottingham Forest are back at the City Ground tomorrow (September 17) hoping to continue their 100% home record as they face promotion contenders Norwich City.
The Reds are still without a clean sheet in the league. Last time out, Montanier’s side were denied a first away league win of the season by Rotherham’s Jon Taylor.
It looked as though Greek striker Apostolos Vellios’ acrobatic strike was going to be the winner, only for the Millers to break Red hearts.
Forest may be yet to win away, but they’ve been in terrific form on Trentside. They have won each of their league games at the City Ground and comfortably saw off Leeds United 3-1 before the international break.
Nottingham Forest boss Philippe Montanier says his team need to play a “complete game” if they are to beat Norwich City.
He said: “We need to play a complete game, offensively, defensively and to be strong in the middle.
“We need to have a good control of the game because it’ll be tough, Norwich have very good technical players so we will definitely have to play a complete, solid game to keep our offensive ammunition because at this moment we attack very well that must continue but we need to find that balance.”
Video: Henri Lansbury not fazed by upcoming opponents Norwich and Arsenal
Henri Lansbury is one Reds player that is really enjoying being part of an attacking, entertaining Forest side after being asked multiple times last season under Dougie Freedman to be more conservative.
The former Arsenal man said: “It suits my game, pressing from the front. Last season, we were very defensive at times and yeah, we didn’t concede very many and we have been a bit open but once we find the right balance where we can be on the front foot and defending then I think we will be a very good side this year.”
The Reds number ten is also happy with the role he’s been asked to play this season. He commented that although he gets more of the ball from a deeper role, he would like to stay further forward and score a few more goals.
Team News:
Young winger Oliver Burke, who has now moved to German side RB Leipzig, had scored in every home game before his departure and Forest will now need to find a new source of City Ground goals with Britt Assombalonga also a doubt for tomorrow’s game.
Forest have not found it difficult to score at home so far this season and that could be made easier by the acquisition of Nicklas Bendtner. The Dane came on in the second half against Rotherham on Tuesday and could be set for his home bow against the Canaries, although that is likely to be from the bench again.
Mustapha Carayol, Hildeberto Pereira, Lica and Nicolao Dumitru will all be battling it out for a place on the flank. Ben Osborn has started every game so far and looks to have made the position on the left his own but the spot on the right (recently departed by Burke) looks up for grabs.
You can see more from Montanier and Lansbury on Notts TV News tonight at 5.30pm, 6, 7 and 10.
