Nottingham Forest Aiming for Top-Half Finish in Premier League
Nottingham Forest, the newly-promoted Premier League club, are set to embark on their second consecutive top-flight campaign with a renewed sense of purpose and strategy. After narrowly avoiding relegation last season, the club’s focus is firmly on the pitch, leaving behind the off-field distractions that marred their previous campaign.
According to the Guardian writers’ predictions, Forest are tipped to finish 16th in the league, a slight improvement from their 17th-place finish last season. The team has learned valuable lessons and has replaced their scatter-gun recruitment approach with a more strategic one, completing deals early to allow players to settle into their new surroundings.
Defensive Reinforcements
One key area of concern for Forest last season was their vulnerability to set-piece goals. To address this, they have brought in center-back Nikola Milenkovic from Fiorentina, a player known for his ability to head the ball away with authority. Additionally, the club has secured the services of a towering 6ft 8in Brazilian goalkeeper, further bolstering their defensive capabilities.
Offensive Upgrades
Offensively, manager Nuno Espírito Santo has an abundance of wingers to choose from, a priority he has emphasized since taking the job. The latest addition to the squad is Jota Silva, a talented but inexperienced winger from Vitória Guimarães. Jota will provide additional support to the likes of Anthony Elanga, Callum Hudson-Odoi, and Elliott Anderson, as Forest aim to improve their goal-scoring prowess.
Striker Taiwo Awoniyi, who was limited to just 20 league appearances last season due to injuries, will be a crucial player if Forest are to secure a top-half finish, a position they believe is within their reach.
Early-Season Fixtures
The early-season fixtures for Nottingham Forest see them face Bournemouth and Wolves at home, with a trip to Southampton sandwiched in between. The team will be confident of collecting points from these encounters and building a solid foundation for the remainder of the campaign.
Off-Field Challenges
Off the field, the club has experienced its fair share of chaos since their return to the Premier League. However, they have managed to maintain a relatively calmer atmosphere at the moment, although the prospect of expanding the City Ground stadium and the significant increase in ticket prices for some supporters have sparked discussion among the fanbase.
As Nottingham Forest look to build on their survival last season, the focus will be on the pitch, with players like Morgan Gibbs-White and the new arrival Jota Silva expected to play pivotal roles in their quest for a top-half finish in the Premier League.
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