Nottingham Forest will return to the City Ground this weekend after a mauling from the champions as Steve Cooper’s men play hosts to fellow promoted side Bournemouth on Saturday with only one place in the table separating the two early on.
It’s the playoff winners against the Championship runners-up, and it’s so far been a crazy start to life back in the Premier League for both.
"Difficult nights can make you stronger and tonight will make our relationship stronger with the fans because it will make us even more motivated to play well for them."🗣❤️— Nottingham Forest FC (@NFFC) September 1, 2022
"Difficult nights can make you stronger and tonight will make our relationship stronger with the fans because it will make us even more motivated to play well for them."🗣❤️
Bournemouth have already lost manager Scott Parker after the club recorded the joint-worst defeat in Premier League history against Liveprool in a 9-0 loss, and it does feel like a lengthy relegation battle is in store.
Bournemouth have still managed to win a game, however, as they defeated Aston Villa on the opening weekend in what was a comfortable 2-0 victory for the Cherries on their Premier League return.
They have, on the other hand, failed to score in the league ever since.
A 4-0 loss to Manchester City, a 3-0 defeat to Arsenal and that 9-0 loss to Liverpool mean 16 goals conceded from three games, but with a 0-0 draw coming against Wolverhampton Wanderers in midweek, the Cherries are still waiting on both a goal and a return to the win column.
As for Forest, it’s been a wild ride already. A narrow loss to Newcastle United on the opening weekend was a stark reminder in the step up in class to the Premier League, and after a 2-0 loss to Tottenham Hotspur and a 6-0 thrashing at the hands of City, Cooper has a lot of work to do to turn their form back around.
On the other hand, Forest were not expected to win these games against sides likely competing for the title. It does still mean a three-game winless run for the playoff winners after drawing with Everton 1-1 at Goodison Park after Brennan Jonhnson's excellent opening goal.
West Ham United are the only team to lose to Forest so far, as Taiwo Awoniyi scored late on in the first half to win the game.
A 3-0 victory over Grimsby Town in the EFL Cup is also something to shout about for Forest, and with even more signings coming into the club over the last few days, Cooper has been able to build a team worthy of staying in the Premier League.
This will, however, be another huge test, because if they can’t beat Bournemouth, there will be little hope in them beating anybody else.
Forebet predicts a win for Forest here, however, and for the game to see over 2.5 goals.