Nottingham Forest hosted Brentford at the City Ground on Saturday as they looked to continue their impressive start to the Championship season.
They have lost only once this campaign – on the first day of the season against West Bromwich Albion – and sat in the play-off places ahead of this clash. As for Brentford, they were 15th moving into this game and were looking to build some momentum after drawing two and winning one of their last three games.
It was Forest who secured the win here with a 1-0 victory thanks to a 56th-minute Ben Watson goal. In this tactical analysis, we will provide analysis of the tactics of both teams, and look at how the home side secured their sixth win of the season.
Lineups
Sabri Lamouchi made three changes to the Forest side that drew 1-1 against Blackburn Rovers on Tuesday night: João Carvalho, Tiago Silva and Chema Rodriguez came into the eleven, replacing Sammy Ameobi, Tobias Figueiredo and Jack Robinson respectively. Carvalho and Silva lined up on the left side and centrally of an attacking three behind striker Lewis Grabban (joining Joe Lolley on the right-hand side), whilst Chema partnered Joe Worrall in the centre of defence. Watson and Samba Sow were the two midfielders tasked with providing defensive security in the middle of the pitch.
As for their opponents, manager Thomas Frank made two alterations after their 1-1 draw at home to Bristol City on Wednesday evening, Said Benrahma and Kamohelo Mokotjo making way for Bryan Mbeumo and Mathias Jensen. Mbeumo started wide on the left, with Jensen offering a box-to-box, energetic style alongside Josh Dasilva from the centre of the pitch, the pair operating slightly further forward than the more conservative Christian Norgaard. Seven-goal top scorer Ollie Watkins continued up front.
To read the full tactical analysis of this match – click here
Artwork by @chapulana
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