Nottingham Forest went through two managers last season as they never truly made a push for the promotion playoffs. Now, with new manager Sabri Lamouchi, the Reds have made several key moves to fight for promotion this term.
West Brom Albion appointed former West Ham manager Slaven Bilic. The manager’s appointment shows West Brom Albion have big expectations. However, last season, the Baggies’ owners showed they will sack a manager if results are not good.
The Baggies finished the EFL Championship in fourth place last term but failed to get past Aston Villa in the promotion playoffs. West Brom Albion are good enough to finish in the top six once more. However, promotion will depend on Bilic and his work with his players.
Nottingham Forest finished eight points back of the playoffs last season. Although they appeared close in the final table standings, they were never that close to the playoffs after early December. In January Aitor Karanka was sacked in favour of Martin O’Neill.
Just. Two. Days. To. Go. 🔴⚪️ #NFFC pic.twitter.com/LD3J21XrVR— Nottingham Forest FC (@NFFC) August 1, 2019
Just. Two. Days. To. Go. 🔴⚪️ #NFFC pic.twitter.com/LD3J21XrVR
The Reds have an exciting squad on paper. Striker Rafa Muir has joined from Wolverhampton Wanderers on loan. He has the potential to give the team’s strike force a huge boost. Lewis Grabben scored 17 goals for Nottingham Forest in 2018-19 and will now have Muir playing alongside him.
Albert Adomah joined this summer from Aston Villa just months after helping the Villains gain promotion. Can he now help Nottingham Forest return to the Premier League?
West Brom Albion’s transfer business has lacked excitement. The Baggies did allow several long-serving players to leave including Gareth Barry, Craig Dawson, Wes Hoolahan, and Jay Rodriguez.
Who will score West Brom Albion’s goals this term? Dwight Gayle bagged 24 EFL Championship strikes in 2018-19. Unfortunately, Gayle has returned to Newcastle United after spending last season on loan at the Hawthorns.
The football equivalent of Christmas Eve. 🎄It all starts tomorrow.#FridayFeeling | #WBA pic.twitter.com/e95waPtcfd— West Bromwich Albion (@WBA) August 2, 2019
The football equivalent of Christmas Eve. 🎄It all starts tomorrow.#FridayFeeling | #WBA pic.twitter.com/e95waPtcfd
Last season, Nottingham Forest and West Brom Albion met for the first time in the EFL Championship since 2010. Both matches ended in score draws.
The first match saw Nottingham Forest’s Adlene Guedioura open the scoring only for West Brom Albion’s Matthew Phillips score an 87th minute equaliser.
Their second match played at the Hawthorns featured a Stefan Johansen own goal to give Nottingham Forest the lead. The two sides traded goals until Rodriguez bagged an 89th minute penalty. Could Saturday’s match feature another late goal?
Nottingham Forest look more well put together at this point and will pick up a victory on opening day. Expect over 2.5 goals once more between the Reds and the Baggies.