Nottingham Forest notebook: Why Man City test is 'easy' compared to Sheffield United, transfer talk
Nottingham Forest are in for a big week on and off the pitch as they battle for Premier League survival.
The Reds will look to carry over the positivity from a good performance against Manchester City when they make the trip to face already-relegated Sheffield United on Saturday. But before then, the club should discover the outcome of their appeal hearing over their four-point deduction for breaching financial rules in the next few days.
It could be a pivotal few days for Forest’s survival hopes. Below is our round-up of the latest goings-on Trentside as the end of the season approaches.
READ MORE: Forest injury state of play ahead of crunch Blades clash
READ MORE: What Forest can take from City defeat ahead of big week in relegation battle
Blades test
Inconsistency has dogged the Reds this term. Several times they have shown what they are capable of under Nuno Espirito Santo, but they haven’t been able to hit the same heights every week.
In that sense, Moussa Niakhate made an important point after Sunday’s 2-0 defeat to the reigning champions. The centre-back argued the trip to Bramall Lane presents just as tough a test for Forest as taking on Pep Guardiola’s team did.
“It is easy to have the mentality to make the effort against Man City; it’s really easy because they are the best team in the world so everybody is motivated,” Niakhate told Sky Sports. “To do this away, in Sheffield, is more difficult. But we have to do it.
“We have to do it in Sheffield, in two weeks’ time against Chelsea and maybe it will go to the last game at Burnley, so we have to keep everything (the same). Everything is positive. Tuesday, we will start the new week and if we do this for the next three games we will be here next season in the Premier League.”
Ruthlessness in front of goal was the difference on Sunday. The Reds missed gilt-edged chances, whereas their opponents took their opportunities.
“We had a plan. We worked really well all week,” Niakhate added. “I’m very happy because the first XI followed the plan and the players who came off the bench played really well. It was just small details.
“The effort was great, but then after 70 minutes we were dead once they had scored the second one. But we can be proud. Everything - defensively, the mentality, the togetherness - it was just great and the crowd was good. It was just a goal. But I’m very proud of the team. If we keep going like this in the next three games, we’ll stay up.”
O’Brien stance
Whatever happens in the remaining weeks of the campaign, it is likely to be another summer of change at the City Ground. There will be incomings and outgoings, with some big transfer decisions to be made.
Midfielder Lewis O’Brien has already hinted he would be open to a permanent move to Middlesbrough after enjoying his loan spell in the north east. But Boro boss Michael Carrick knows it might not be as simple as that, with the outcome of Forest’s relegation battle likely to be a factor over whether the Reds would be keen to keep O’Brien on the books.
“There is always more to it than what might sometimes look like a really simple or easy decision," Carrick told TeessideLive. "There is certainly a lot more depth to it. That’s how it is, and it’s nothing new, it’s always been the case.
“There are decisions to be made, for sure. It’s never straightforward and there is a lot that has to go into it. It would be wrong of me right now to really get involved either way. It’s the discussions that will take place and obviously have been taking place. We’ll discuss things at the end of the season and see what’s best for everyone moving forward.
"It’s not a flip on-and-off switch between transfer windows. It’s constantly evolving and developing. But, for me, in terms of giving anything definitive, until that’s done, it’s wrong of me to get involved any further."
Transfer talk
On the subject of Forest loanees with uncertain futures, Josh Bowler will likely be in a similar position to O’Brien come the summer. The winger is yet to make a single first-team appearance in the Garibaldi, and it remains to be seen whether he will get such an opportunity.
Bowler has been on loan at Cardiff City this term, having spent last season at Olympiacos and then Blackpool. He has been a regular starter for the Bluebirds and has five goals to his name.
It seems his performances in Wales have not gone unnoticed and have caught the eye of other clubs. According to German newspaper Bild (via One Football), Hertha Berlin are keen on Bowler.
It is said the 25-year-old is one of the names being discussed as the club look to strengthen on the flanks. Shakhtar Donetsk’s Oleksii Kashchuk and Swansea City’s Przemyslaw Placheta are also on the German outfit’s radar.
History maker
Bowler might not have featured for Forest yet, but a number of appearances in the Garibaldi have contributed to one former Red making history. Albert Adomah has now racked up the most appearances in Championship history with an incredible 525 to his name - and 24 of those came during his stint at the City Ground in 2019/20.
The 36-year-old reached the milestone when he came off the bench for QPR against Leeds United last Friday. It was a doubly memorable moment as victory secured safety for Rangers.
Adomah posted on Instagram: “My last home game for my boyhood club. 525 EFL Championship appearances. One for the history books.”
Fellow ex-Red Tiago Silva said: “You’re a legend.” Former Forest forward Lyle Taylor said: “Incredible achievement by an incredible person.”