Nottingham Forest boss Chris Hughton handed new signing Filip Krovinovic his debut for the Reds this afternoon as they looked for a much-needed win over Barnsley.
The on-loan Benfica midfielder was plunged straight into the starting 11 following his arrival at the City Ground in the hope he could add some welcome creative spark in the final third.
But while Reds fans were eagerly looking forward to seeing what the playmaker can offer, they were handed a blow with the news that influential centre-back Scott McKenna missed out through injury.
That meant Tobias Figueiredo partnered Joe Worall in defence which was the same defensive pairing which played in the 5-1 FA Cup defeat to Swansea last weekend.
On-loan Fulham winger Anthony Knockaert also kept his place in the side after his impressive performance against the Swans.
As usual, Hughton named a 4-2-3-1 formation with Brice Samba back in goal, behind the back four of Cyrus Christie, Figueiredo, Worrall and Gaetan Bong, who was filling in for the suspended Yuri Ribeiro.
Cafu was alongside Samba Sow with the pair deployed in holding midfield roles with Ryan Yates currently missing through injury.
Ahead of them, Sammy Ameobi and Knockaert were deployed on the flanks with Krovinovic assigned number 10 duties.
Hughton would be looking for the midfielder to link-up with captain Lewis Grabban who was tasked with leading the line on his own.
Forest: Samba, Christie, Figueiredo, Worrall, Bong; Sow, Cafu; Ameobi, Krovinovic, Knockaert; Grabban.
Subs: Smith, Mbe Soh, Bachirou, Freeman, Jenkinson Mighten, Lolley, Blackett, Taylor
