Nottingham Forest will celebrate the life of former manager Brian Clough when Barnsley visit The City Ground on Saturday.
Nottingham Forest Host Barnsley At City Ground
Brian Clough Celebration
Friday (20th September) is the 15-year anniversary of Brian’s passing and Forest are encouraging supporters to celebrate their former manager’s life.
The big screens at The City Ground will display a picture of their greatest ever manager on the 15th minute and supporters will partake in a minutes’ applause.
Clough, who managed Forest between 1975 and 1993, had an incredibly successful time as manager. During his time on the bank of the Trent, Clough won the First Division, League Cup (four times), European Cup (twice) and European Super Cup. He was also named Manager of the Year in 1977-78 following a domestic double including the League Cup and First Division title.
In total, Clough managed Forest through 994 matches, winning 464, with a win percentage of 46.7%.
Form Guide
Nottingham Forest enter into this fixture on the back of three victories in five matches – the other two clashes in that timeframe finished in draws. Among those victories, Forest recorded an impressive 1-0 win at Swansea City last weekend.
Barnsley have one of the worst away records – the Tykes have not won any of their three away trips this season (D1 L2). A bigger concern for the Yorkshire-based side is their poor fortune in-front of goal when on the road, Barnsley are yet to score when away from Oakwell.
As a result, the Tykes’ have the third-worst record in the league due to a winless set of five matches. The hosts, meanwhile, are beginning to creep up the table with three wins from five matches. In between each of those victories in that timeframe has been a draw for Forest. Sabri Lamouchi’ side are unbeaten since their opening day defeat to West Brom.
Team News
Nottingham Forest continue to have a number of players unlikely to feature. Yohan Benalouane (back) is a definite absentee – he is yet to feature under new manager Lamouchi. Michael Hefele (Achilles) is edging back into the first team but Barnsley’s visit will be too soon.
Tendayi Darikwa (ACL) suffered his severe injury in July and is likely to remain sidelined for a number of months. Carl Jenkinson’s ankle injury suffered prior to the Swansea City win will see him out of actions for “a few weeks” according to Lamouchi. Ryan Yakes (knee) has been building up his fitness in recent weeks but the Barnsley test could come soon; Rafa Mir (leg) could feature due to his injury only being minor.
Barnsley also have a few selection concerns. Ben Williams will miss out due to suspension; Samuel Radlinger’s knee injury makes him a long-term absentee, Bambo Diaby (ankle) and Kenneth Dougall are still a distance from returning to action.
From The Bosses
Speaking ahead of his side’s home tie with Barnsley, Forest boss Sabri Lamouchi highlighted the importance of a strong home record when challenging in the upper echelons of the table.
“It will be a very special game for many reasons,” he said. “After the win at Swansea, we need to try to play for the victory, but we know about this league and our opponent – it will be a tough game.
“And the stadium is close to being sold out, so the fans will support us like in the first game. For that, it will be nice.
“If we want to challenge in this league, we need to take the maximum points at home.
“At the moment, we are playing very well away, but at home – with this support – we must do much better than what we have done until now.”
Main Photo
