Claudio Yacob was dropped by Aitor Karanka for Nottingham Forest’s 2-0 win over Ipswich Town, with Adlene Guedioura preferred in midfield alongside Jack Colback. Forest went into Saturday’s home game as big favourites, so Karanka clearly felt naming a second combative player in Yacob would be overkill and the Reds would benefit from more creativity.
The Forest manager could repeat the feat against Preston North End on Saturday, December 8, as his side will be expected to take the game to the Lilywhites. Colback will provide enough defensive protection and industry in the engine room so Guedioura will be key to unlocking the Preston defence.
Yacob was made to wait nearly two months after joining on a free transfer before making his Forest debut and went on to make four appearances in the Championship. The 31-year-old has fared well at the City Ground, breaking up the play and helping the Reds pick up three clean sheets, but Guedioura’s was industrious against Ipswich.
The 33-year-old created three chances and made three dribbles on Saturday, in addition to making two tackles, one interception and blocking a shot. He made 73 passes, but he’ll need to be more accurate against Preston.
