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“So tough for everybody”: Lamouchi’s words could give an indication about Sunday’s team – Report

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I might be thinking too much into this.

If you think I am, just let me know.

Sabri Lamouchi pointed out when he first took charge at the City Ground just how tough the Championship was going to be, and it’s fair to say that he certainly found that out the hard way in the lead up to the Christmas period. Forest though bounced back with three wins on the bounce and currently sit 4th in the table.

And speaking after the victory against Blackburn Rovers on New Year’s Day, Lamouchi spoke about the amount of pressure that is exerted on the players, not just physically, but also mentally when it comes to this division, but how pleased he is that they managed to turn things around eventually:

“Of course the players were a little bit tired but they deserved this victory. It’s a fantastic league but so tough for everybody. Mentally we need to be ready and my team, my players today; they won. They wanted the victory more than the opponent and I’m so happy for that because it’s positive for the rest of the season. Keep going.”

With what he said in mind, I think it’s time we looked ahead to this weekend’s F.A Cup game away to Chelsea, and the kind of team that Lamouchi is likely to pick. If Forest were further down the table and not looking like mounting a serious push for promotion, I’d say that we should field a strong team and try to go as far in the competition as possible.

However, after the couple of weeks we’ve had, I’d say the best thing for Lamouchi to do is rest every single one of those players and get them ready for the rest of the season, staring with the game against Reading next weekend.

Would you play a 'weakened' team against Chelsea?

Yes

Yes

No

No

These past few weeks will have given Lamouchi a real sense of what the division is like, and if he’s sensible, he’ll keep players back ready for the rest of the season and maintaining that push towards a play-off spot.

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