Joao Carvalho could be in line to start for Nottingham Forest against Aston Villa on Wednesday after scoring a sensational goal in Saturday’s 3-0 win over Hull City. The 22-year-old has been short of form and playing time in recent weeks, having failed to score or goal or make an assist in the Championship for three months, but Carvalho could have a part to play at the City Ground in midweek.
The Portuguese u21 international has contributed 10 goals in 30 league games since joining Forest from Benfica last summer, kicking off his debut season brightly before tailing off after December. Carvalho has been an unused substitute in 2019, featuring in only four of Forest’s last 10 league outings, but fans want to see him make his first start since New Year’s Day.
Carvalho definitely with Ansari…can't spell his name on bench for now. Super sub. #NFFC #COYRs
— Ian morrison (@Ianmorr07785590) March 11, 2019
Absolutely he should!
Both were brilliant.
Pele needs to start too – I couldn’t have been more impressed by him!— James Prentice (@jrprentice) March 11, 2019
Goal and assist for Ansarifard. Was impressed, like what I've seen of him. Him and Joao changed the game v Hull. Carvalho should start, but keep Ansarifard as a bench option for now
— Jack Smylie (@Inthetop1_nffc) March 11, 2019
From a fans point of view, yes definitely, I think he they would cause them all kinds of problems but MoN has been proved right more often than not so I will back his choice
— Mike…nffc (@nffcalways1) March 11, 2019
Maybe keep Ansarifard in until Grabban is fit, but there’s no question Joao should start
— Joe ????⚪️ (@tunajoe74) March 11, 2019
Carvalho should play every week anyway, not seen enough of ansarifard so he stays on the bench for me but should get good mins again after Saturday
— Tom Leighton (@TomLeighton7) March 11, 2019
If Martin O’Neill opts to include the midfielder in the starting eleven, he’ll have a difficult decision to make on who to drop. One of Daryl Murphy or Leo Bonatini could make way, as playing two strikers against Villa could be reckless. Forest will want to retain possession and having a player of Carvalho’s ability on the ball could be the difference.
Crippy Cooke’s previous article
‘Oh God’ – some fans aren’t happy as EFL confirm referee for Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa