Steve Cooper names Forest team to face Derby

Head coach Steve Cooper makes just one change to his Nottingham Forest side as they take on bitter enemies Derby County this afternoon.

The Reds go into the clash at the City Ground aiming to make it back-to-back league victories, having triumphed 1-0 at Millwall last time out.

Lewis Grabban’s dramatic late winner at The Den secured three points for Cooper’s men in the capital, leaving them five points below the play-off places ahead of kick-off today, in 10th spot.

Given their arch-rivals’ plight, this has the potential to be the last East Midlands derby for a while, adding an extra layer of spice to a much-anticipated clash.

Forest have been dealt a blow as they find themselves without defender Joe Worrall for the match.

Cooper said in his pre-match press conference on Thursday that the centre-back had picked up a knock against Millwall. Although the Reds boss was hoping he’d be involved, Worrall is not included in the matchday squad against the Rams.

But there is a return for left-back Max Lowe, who has been sidelined since the 1-1 draw at Reading in November.

Worrall’s absence means Ryan Yates steps into the defence, joining Steve Cook and Scott McKenna in a back three ahead of goalkeeper Brice Samba.

Lowe comes in at left wing-back, with Djed Spence on the opposite flank.

A switch of position for Yates and the return of Lowe allows Jack Colback to return to a more familiar midfield role, alongside James Garner.

Up front, Cooper sticks with the trio of Brennan Johnson, Lewis Grabban and Keinan Davis.

Ethan Horvath, Tobias Figueiredo, Philip Zinckernagel, Gaetan Bong, Cafu, Xande Silva and Lyle Taylor make up the substitutes’ bench.

What do you make of the Forest line-up? Have your say in the comments below