Nottingham Forest play host to Aston Villa on Monday evening looking to end a run of five successive defeats in the Premier League.
At a time when the home side sit in bottom spot in the standings, Villa begin the latest matchday in 14th place despite putting together a three-match unbeaten streak.
Match preview
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When Forest succumbed to a 4-0 defeat to Leicester City in the East Midlands derby, the writing appeared to be on the wall for Steve Cooper with the powers-that-be at the City Ground seemingly wanting to bring about another change in the dugout.
As harsh and controversial as the potential decision felt, Cooper was reportedly not without blame having failed to pen a new deal, but any outstanding issues were resolved in the days following the embarrassment at the King Power Stadium.
Cooper, with a new sporting director by his side, has now committed until 2025, and the Welshman is now tasked with trying to end a dismal run which has seen 18 goals conceded in 450 minutes of football.
Beginning the latest matchday just two points from safety, it should certainly not be all doom and gloom at Forest, but Cooper must find a way to bring greater balance to his team's style of play amid the mass arrivals at the club.
Four of Forest's six goals in the Premier League this season have come in 3-2 defeats, highlighting that a more reserved approach may be required for the time being.
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In sharp contrast, Villa supporters want to see the exact opposite from Steven Gerrard and his players after an uninspiring start to the new campaign.
Despite getting Villa back on track with five points from three matches, Gerrard is under pressure on a game-by-game basis, largely due to a style of play which is not always easy on the eye.
Nevertheless, despite the disappointment of posting a goalless draw at 10-man Leeds United last time out, it was a second successive clean sheet, something which had not been achieved since April.
Villa remain just three points adrift of seventh position, highlighting that one or two wins in a row could change the whole dynamic at the club.
However, Gerrard appears to be walking that tightrope where a defeat could result in the Villa hierarchy opting for a change in leadership.
Team News
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While Cooper will contemplate a switch back to a defensive three, he may show preference to going with a front-foot approach against opponents who may sit deep.
Orel Mangala and Remo Freuler are both pushing for starts in central midfield, while Emmanuel Dennis could get the nod over Jesse Lingard on the flank.
Joe Worrall will also feel that he is in line to earn a recall in defence, replacing either Steve Cook or Scott McKenna.
With Villa defender Matty Cash expected to be passed fit for the game against his former club, Ashley Young could switch to left-back to deputise for the injured Lucas Digne and Ludwig Augustinsson.
Although the midfield three could stay the same, changes are expected in the final third with Emiliano Buendia and Danny Ings each pushing for an opportunity.
Nottingham Forest possible starting lineup:
Henderson; Williams, Cook, McKenna, Lodi; Mangala, Freuler; Johnson, Gibbs-White, Dennis; Awoniyi
Aston Villa possible starting lineup:
Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Mings, Young; Ramsey, Luiz, McGinn; Watkins, Ings, Buendia
We say: Nottingham Forest 1-1 Aston Villa
There will be an air of positivity at the City Ground after Cooper renewed his contract, but that will not necessarily act as the catalyst for improved performances on the pitch. Villa and Gerrard also need a result in the East Midlands, leading us to predict a competitive low-scoring draw being played out between two struggling sides.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Top tip
Darren Plant
