Defensive dilemma
Nottingham Forest boss Chris Hughton has a decision to make over who will take up the left-back spot at Middlesbrough.
The Reds manager has started the same back line for each of his four games in charge, but will be forced into at least one change at the Riverside Stadium on Saturday.
Summer signing Nicholas Ioannou has been the preferred choice on the left; however, he will be suspended after receiving a straight red card in Wednesday night’s 1-1 draw at Luton Town.
Hughton brought on Carl Jenkinson for the second half at Kenilworth Road, as he shuffled his pack to accommodate Ioannou’s departure.
Opposition verdict
Middlesbrough boss Neil Warnock has joked he’ll speak to Nottingham Forest counterpart Chris Hughton about taking some players from “one of the best squads” in the Championship.
The Reds head to the Riverside Stadium on Saturday, with Warnock saying he envies the group Hughton has to work with.
Forest made 14 additions during the summer transfer window - Anthony Knockaert being the sole signing during Hughton’s tenure, on domestic deadline day.
The change in manager has resulted in a four-game unbeaten run ahead of the weekend’s clash, although the visitors will come up against a Boro side who have lost just once in the league.
New deal
Nottingham Forest have extended their partnership with kit suppliers Macron for a further five seasons.
It comes after this year’s popular third shirt has become one of the fastest-selling in the club’s history.
The Italian sportswear brand will continue as the Reds’ official kit and training wear partner for another five seasons, starting from the 2021/22 campaign.
Tough test
Middlesbrough will provide Nottingham Forest with their “toughest test” so far under new boss Chris Hughton.
The Reds are unbeaten in their four games with Hughton at the helm, after losing their opening four Championship matches under Sabri Lamouchi.
In their last three outings they have fought back from a goal down to draw 1-1, most recently with 10 men at Luton Town on Wednesday night.
