Ben Osborn underperformed in Nottingham Forest’s 2-1 defeat at Rotherham United and could lose his place against Sheffield Wednesday on Tuesday evening. Martin O’Neill may consider making changes to his side due to Forest’s poor run of form, and Osborn should be one of the first to go. Jack Robinson is waiting in the wings and has been a reliable defender to call upon.
Ben Osborn and MON, please leave my club #nffc
— goon goon (@goongoonlol) April 8, 2019
My goodness that was absolutely shocking #nffc No more Osborn at Left back please
— Steve Dormer (@SteveDormer10) April 6, 2019
Can somebody please explain the “Osborn for Robinson” situation to me? ???? #NFFC
— Psycho was back V2 (@psychoFTID) March 30, 2019
Wether you think O’Neil should stay or go! There is one thing we can all agree on his horrid team selection is getting us in a pickle!! Playing Osborn over Robinson is a criminal offence #nffc
— Cotti (@twinkletoescots) April 8, 2019
The 25-year-old, who can operate at both left-back and centre-back, has made 35 appearances in all competitions since joining Forest on a free transfer from Queens Park Rangers last summer, scoring and creating four goals. He’s only featured once in the Championship since March 2, however, and has been an unused substitute in Forest’s last two outings.
In the league, Robinson has made 33 appearances, 131 clearances, won 105 aerial duels (55%), blocked nine shots and 17 crosses, has averaged 36 passes-per-game with 75% and has averaged a tackle (68) or interception (37) every 26 minutes. Despite the lack of playing time in recent weeks, the Englishman could be in line to start against Wednesday.
Osborn has played in a variety of roles for Forest, but he’s looked suspect at left-back and might benefit from being taken out of the spotlight. The Reds’ playoff hopes are fading, so will O’Neill make a change?
Crippy Cooke’s previous article
Statistics reveal if Martin O’Neill or Aitor Karanka has a better record at Nottingham Forest