Nottingham Forest welcome Coventry City to the City Ground on Saturday evening looking to build on their first Premier League win of the season.
Forest finally got off the mark with a 2-1 victory at Aston Villa last weekend. Oliver Glasner’s side have now lost just once in four league games, with both of their defeats this season coming against Leeds.
Coventry would probably settle for having that problem.
Frank Lampard’s side have lost all four Premier League matches and are still waiting for their first goal. Things got particularly ugly last weekend when Brighton left the CBS Arena with a 5-0 win. A midweek Carabao Cup defeat to Aston Villa did little to improve the mood.
However, the numbers suggest Coventry have been slightly better than their zero goals suggest. They have created around four expected goals this season and forced Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen into six saves last weekend.
Eventually one has to go in. Surely?
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Premier League betting tips: Matchweek 5 accumulator and predictions
What are the best betting tips for Nottingham Forest vs Coventry City?
Nottingham Forest to win
Forest should see this as an excellent opportunity to put another three points on the board.
They produced a much-improved display at Villa Park last weekend. Liam Delap and Morgan Gibbs-White also showed signs of developing a dangerous partnership in attack.
The City Ground should help too. Forest have lost only two of their last 10 home matches.
Coventry’s opening schedule has been brutal, so their record needs some context. They have already faced Arsenal, Manchester City and Brighton.
Even so, four defeats and no goals is difficult to ignore.
Forest should have enough quality to take advantage.
Under 3.5 goals
Coventry’s wait for a Premier League goal has now reached four games.
That makes backing a goal-fest fairly difficult.
Forest have hardly been involved in chaos every week themselves. Four of their five competitive games this season have produced three goals or fewer.
Coventry are creating chances, though. Therefore, their first goal of the campaign would not be a huge surprise.
We just cannot see this suddenly becoming a six-goal thriller.
Liam Delap to score or assist
Liam Delap looks like a good fit for this Forest attack.
His physicality gives Glasner a focal point through the middle. More importantly, his movement can create space for Gibbs-White and the runners around him.
Those qualities were on show against Villa. Delap’s aggressive runs in behind caused problems throughout the second half, while his link-up with Gibbs-White looked particularly promising.
Coventry have now conceded eight goals across their last two matches.
That is not ideal preparation for dealing with a striker who enjoys making defenders uncomfortable.
We like Delap to be directly involved in a goal.
Latest odds provided by PricedUp. Join today for £20 in free bets to use on the Premier League
Where can I watch Nottingham Forest vs Coventry City?
Nottingham Forest vs Coventry City kicks off at 5:30pm BST on Saturday, September 19 at the City Ground.
The match will be shown live in the UK on Sky Sports Main Event.
Oliver Glasner
Glasner was delighted after Forest picked up their first Premier League win of the season at Aston Villa last weekend.
“I’m really proud of the team’s performance and the spirit they showed.”
The Forest boss also felt his side improved as the game went on.
“In the second half we moved the ball quicker and switched from left to right and we saw the confidence grow.”
Glasner was also full of praise for Liam Delap after the striker opened the scoring at Villa Park.
“Liam Delap’s hit didn’t surprise me because I see it in training. That’s what a striker should do.”
Forest went on to win 2-1 through Igor Jesus’ 88th-minute goal, giving Glasner his first Premier League victory as Forest boss.
Frank Lampard
Lampard is refusing to allow Coventry’s difficult start to drag the mood down.
“We have to be the first ones to be positive and focus on the work that we feel we need to do.”
The Coventry boss also wants his players to repay supporters who have continued backing them despite four straight defeats.
“Sometimes it is human nature to feel down but we just have to focus on the work that we have got to do.”
What is Nottingham Forest’s predicted team?
(3-4-2-1) Sels; Aina, Diomande, Murillo; Muñoz, Schlager, McAtee, Williams; Gibbs-White, Jesus; Delap.
Injured: Nicolò Savona, Nikola Milenkovic.
Doubt: Jair Cunha.
Milenkovic has been ruled out by Glasner. Cunha has returned to light training, although his availability remains uncertain.
What is Coventry City’s predicted team?
(3-4-2-1) Rushworth; Mfuni, Thomas, Pinnock; Van Ewijk, Grimes, Onyeka, Dasilva; Rudoni, Mason-Clark; Simms.
Injured: Frank Onyeka, Kaine Kesler-Hayden, Luke Woolfenden, Josh Eccles, Haji Wright.
Suspended: Taiwo Awoniyi.
Coventry have several players unavailable through injury. Awoniyi is also suspended after his red card against Brighton.
Nottingham Forest vs Coventry City prediction
Coventry’s start looks terrible on paper, although there is enough beneath the surface to suggest their first goal and first points are not miles away.
We just don’t particularly fancy them to arrive at the City Ground.
Forest looked much better against Villa and should have the stronger attack here. Delap could cause Coventry plenty of problems, especially after their difficult afternoon against Brighton.
It might not be completely comfortable, but Forest should get it done.
Score prediction: Nottingham Forest 2-0 Coventry City
READ NEXT: Controversial Erling Haaland goal sinks Man Utd at Old Trafford
Some links in this article are affiliate links. EPL Bets receives commission from qualifying activity made through these links. This does not affect the odds or offers available to you. Odds available at the time of writing. 18+. New customers only. Opt in required. Minimum bet of £40 on any selections. Min odds of evens (2.00). Pre-game only. Free bet awarded upon settlement and split into 4 x £5. Free bet on accumulators only and expiry 24 hours. Other free bet terms apply. Maximum pay-outs apply. GamCare.org.uk | UK only. Full T&Cs apply.
