Another pre-season friendly in the bag for Nottingham Forest. Notable missing was Chris Wood & Taiwo Awoniyi against Elche. Hopefully nothing serious, Hwang made some good attempts on goal. But surely we need to be looking for another forward for this season. #NFFC 🔴🌳 pic.twitter.com/wQPgyq3mAu
— Matthew (@prowlerthedevil) July 26, 2024
After steering the club to Premier League survival last season, head coach Nuno Espírito Santo will be hoping to make even more of an impact at Nottingham Forest this campaign. Staying up was the ultimate aim, but with ambitious plans for the future, everyone associated with the club will be hoping to see some notable progress this season.
A Mid-Table Finish Will Suffice
The Nottingham Forest faithful are certainly a realistic set of supporters. While they will undoubtedly want to witness some evolution under the former Wolves boss, they won’t be rushing to make bold Champions League qualification predictions on podcasts. Nor will they be assessing Premier League winner odds, particularly given the gulf between Forest and sides like Arsenal, who are currently priced at 7/4 to win the league this season.
For supporters and the club’s hierarchy, a mid-table finish would almost feel like a title win. After all, Forest are a side priced at 9/4 for the drop according to Premier League relegation odds, but there’s a strong argument to suggest that Nuno has the tools needed to propel the team up the table and away from any relegation scrap down at the bottom. In fact, Nottingham Forest have recruited well; they have an abundance of quality within their ranks, and they could easily be a surprise package this season.
Wood Was Forest’s Top Scorer Last Season
After his career stagnated somewhat following his move to Newcastle United in 2022, Chris Wood clearly needed a new home. After a strong campaign last season, it appears as though the physical striker has found it. The New Zealand international was Forest’s runaway top goalscorer with 14 domestic goals to his name. Wood is a real handful on his day, and while he can be inconsistent over the course of a typical season, Nuno Espírito Santo seems to know how to get the very best out of him. Should Wood carry on his end-of-season form into the new campaign, then Forest could finish higher up the table.
Taiwo Awoniyi Has Undoubted Quality
Chris Wood’s form was impressive last season, particularly given the stop-start season Taiwo Awoniyi had to endure. Injuries hindered Awoniyi’s progress, but the 26-year-old clearly possesses an abundance of quality. Hoping to build on the 12 starts he made last season, should Taiwo Awoniyi remain fit this season, then he could easily build on the six goals and three assists that he managed to record last time around. Make no mistake about it, a partnership of Wood and Awoniyi is a real handful.
Nikola Milenković Is a Statement Signing
I have to say I’m amazed that Forest have got Nikola Milenković for reported fee of £12m, it’s incredibly good value for money.
A very good/experienced defender in his prime years with a broad skillset, areas of which are well suited to the PL & Forest’s needs #nffc #milenkovic
— Adam Summerton (@adamsummerton) July 18, 2024
Any good side needs a strong defensive foundation to build from. At times, Nottingham Forest have struggled to establish a resolute defensive unit. That could certainly change this season, though, with Nikola Milenković’s arrival being widely regarded as a bit of a coup for the club. While the loss of Moussa Niakhaté to Lyon for £27 million is a blow, snapping up the Serbian international for £12 million is a shrewd piece of business.
Sangaré Is an Important Cog in Forest’s Wheel
Big things are expected of Ibrahim Sangaré this season, particularly given his standout performances in pre-season. Providing some much-needed protection in front of Forest’s defence, Sangaré is already looking like a new player. His early promise bodes well for the season ahead, particularly if Nottingham Forest are to avoid a repeat of last season, where they conceded 67 goals.
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