What can you tell us about Forest? Sarah Clapson, Nottingham Post
Sarah Clapson has followed Forest home and away for over 10 years in her role as Nottingham Forest correspondent for the Nottingham Post newspaper.
As we prepare to travel to the City Ground, here's what Sarah had to say about Forest under Glasner and Saturday's Premier League clash (3pm UK).
How is the squad looking now the transfer window is over?
Sarah: "Deadline day proved to be a quiet one for Forest in the end - which is unusual but not necessarily a bad thing on this occasion. The only business done in the final hours of the window saw a couple of players go out on loan, which tied into Oliver Glasner’s preference for working with a small squad. Glasner has said he is happy with the summer business done and the squad he has. He felt there was plenty of potential in the group when he joined, and given Elliot Anderson was the only notable departure of the window that remains the case. Of course, Anderson is a difficult (near enough impossible) man to replace, but Forest feel they have ended the window stronger overall. This window was about quality over quantity for the club, with just a few key additions targeted. They do look short on natural centre-backs, especially as Glasner likes to play with three in defence, but the Austrian does have players who could step into that role if required. Midfield is also an area where another quality addition would not have gone amiss, but only if the right deal was available to be done. Forest should still have enough there. There is quality in the squad, and with no European football to contend with, they should be okay in terms of depth."
What have you made of Forest so far under Oliver Glasner?
Sarah: "I’m sure he was glad to see the back of Leeds! Successive defeats to the Whites (in the Premier League and Carabao Cup) wouldn’t have been what he had in mind to start the season with. The performance against Liverpool ( a 2-2 draw at Anfield last weekend) was much better, though. It was much more like a 'Glasner' team, even if it didn't result in a win. Right from the start, he has not shied away from the thought it is going to take time for him to get Forest where he wants them to be. I think that is clear so far; they have looked like a team in transition. Against Leeds, it was apparent they were up against a side further along in their progression. Patience is going to be required but Forest have shown positive signs. More than anything, the club really needs some stability after last season, and he seems like a good fit in that sense. He speaks very well and arrived with a proven track record so you would back him to oversee progress."
How is Glasner setting up and, after playing so well at Anfield last week, how do you expect his approach to differ for a home game - if at all?
Sarah: "How Forest are setting up won’t come as a surprise to anyone who watched Palace under Glasner. He has said he is prepared to be flexible with his formation, but he clearly favours a back three as that has been the go-to set-up so far. I don’t think the approach will differ too much on Saturday to how Forest went about it at Anfield. They put together some nice passages of play against Liverpool and created a few chances so will want to build on that.
"There is still room for improvement. At the back they still have things to work on as players adjust to the different system and as a team they need to get their pressing right, but generally there was much to be encouraged by at Anfield. Glasner has made clear he goes into every game with the intention to win, so that will be the aim on Saturday. He will be eager to get his first victory on the board."
Finally, who should our fans look out for?
Sarah: "I guess Morgan Gibbs-White doesn’t need any introduction! Forest hanging on to him last summer continues to be arguably their most crucial bit of business of the past 12 months. He is so important to this team and is always capable of a moment of magic. Aside from Gibbs-White, new boy Liam Delap will be one to watch. He made an impact from off the bench on his debut at Anfield, setting Neco Williams free with a quick throw (one his dad, Rory, would have been proud of) in a move that led to Forest winning a penalty. Glasner really likes Delap and has said he is the perfect fit for Forest. The front man has made the move with a bit of fire in his belly after his time at Chelsea and will no doubt want to hit the ground running at home, if he is selected."