Sheffield United make a short trip to Nottingham Forest on Friday night with both sides aiming to get their first points on the board, in what could be labelled an early relegation six-pointer.
The Blades were edged out 1-0 at Bramall Lane by Crystal Palace last Saturday, while Arsenal dispatched Forest 2-1 at the Emirates.
Sheffield United played a makeshift midfield consisting of Ben Osborn, Chris Basham and Oli Norwood against the Eagles. New midfield signings Anis Slimane and Vinícius Souza featured in the final few minutes of the game, but the notion is that the Blades will have to start them at the City Ground if they want to come away with a result.
Forest spent approximately €195m last season, but splashing the cash only just managed to see them to safety – stopping up by four points. This season however, they have spent more modestly, spending approximately €42m, according to Transfermarkt.
Opposition fans view
“I knew they were in trouble but after watching them today I didn’t know they were Championship relegation bad. This is one where we really ought to let the boys off the leash and put them to the sword. 1-0.” [Forest Forum]
“The 4231 set up mentioned by others looks good to me. Need to win, not necessarily your ‘must win’ relegation battle game but rather if we don’t win this one then high chance Cooper doesn’t last past September.”
“This one has potential banana skin if we go into it with the wrong attitude.”
“Let’s beat this lot comfortably and get our season going. I was encouraged by today and hope we can show there’s some space between ourselves and the three promoted teams.”
“It’s effectively a derby and Sheff will make it as scrappy and disjointed as possible. Yatesy will be in his element.”
Nottingham Forest home form
Sheffield United supporters would take a point right now, just to get an early point on the board. Last season, Cooper’s side were really good at the City Ground winning eight games and drawing six. Achieving 30 points at home saw them rank as the 10th-best home side in the previous Premier League campaign.
Considering they are at home, the hatred towards the Blades, even admitting that it’s a derby game, Forest will see this match as a must-win. The pressure will be on Nottingham Forest to dominate this game.
