Nottinghamshire Live talked up the prospect of Joao Carvalho starting for Nottingham Forest against Derby County on Monday after making two substitute appearances in recent weeks, but it seems more likely that Martin O’Neill will start Ryan Yates ahead of the creative midfielder when the Rams come to the City Ground.
Forest host Derby on February 25 and will be desperate for a result after enduring back-to-back games without a win. The Reds also want bragging rights from the Midlands derby, so Monday’s meeting isn’t the time for experiments. Carvalho lost his place in the side after suffering a dip in form. Yates has been a regular in recent weeks and has been outstanding too.
It makes little sense to change personnel. O’Neill gave the youngster a chance to prove his worth weeks ago and he wasn’t let down. Yates has made a total of five appearances in all competitions for Forest, four of which have come this season. He’s enjoying a rich vein of form in recent weeks and more than deserves his spot in the starting eleven.
Crippy Cooke’s previous article
Opinion: Martin O’Neill could start Englishman against Derby, striker may be dropped
