Eddie Howe has a few big decisions to make ahead of this weekend’s trip to Nottingham Forest. Will he start Dan Burn or Tino Livramento at left-back and who will start in attack?
At the back, I think we could see Tino return. Burn had a shocker against Luton and was torn apart by Elanga in Forest’s Boxing Day win at St James’ Park. Burn has played a key role in our run of three-straight away wins, but it feels like the right time to hand Livramento his chance.
Anthony Gordon hasn’t suffered a serious injury, but The Athletic say his twisted ankle is ‘likely’ to keep him out of Saturday’s game, meaning Harvey Barnes will surely come in down the left for his first start since our 8-0 win at Sheffield United in September.
The final change should see Callum Wilson lead the line after his cameo last weekend, but will he replace Miguel Almiron or Jacob Murphy? Tough to say who Howe will favour, but I back Howe to go with Miggy.
Predicted XI: Dubravka – Trippier, Schar, Botman, Livramento – Longstaff, Bruno, Miley – Almiron, Wilson, Barnes.
As for Forest, they will be without top scorer Chris Wood (hamstring), AFCON finalists Ibrahim Sangare, Willy Boly and Ola Aina, while Morgan Gibbs-White and Gonzalo Montiel will be assessed after picking up knocks in Wednesday’s FA Cup replay against Bristol City.
Hmmm .. It might be a bit early to keep Barnes in a full game, but adverse reactions to last week aside, he’ll play some part.
Interesting to see if howe’ll start then sub barnes or leave him as an option when the game requires it.
One thing Barnes was questioned about at Leicester apparently was his defensive work. He might be chosen as a sub to come on if nufc are able to get control of the game with a front starting three of almiron, Murphy and Wilson.
GoWest!Mag(Quote)
I think you might be right based on Howe’s comments today.
Olly Hawkins(Quote)