Ange Postecoglou Reflects on Team Selection as Nottingham Forest Prepare for Chelsea
Nottingham Forest are gearing up for a high-stakes Premier League clash against Chelsea at the City Ground, and all eyes are on head coach Ange Postecoglou, who finds himself under increasing pressure as he searches for his first win in charge of the club.
The former Celtic and Tottenham boss has yet to taste victory since taking the reins at Forest—going winless in his first seven matches. However, ahead of Saturday’s early kick-off, Postecoglou has been handed a significant boost with the return of three key players from injury, potentially providing a much-needed spark for the struggling Reds.
Injury Boost: Trio Returns to Starting XI
Defenders Murillo (back injury) and Oleksandr Zinchenko (groin), along with midfield engine Douglas Luiz (hamstring), have all been declared fit and included in the starting lineup to face the Blues. Their return offers a welcome dose of experience and composure to a squad that has struggled to find consistency so far this season.
Speaking to TNT Sports (via the BBC), Postecoglou expressed his relief at finally having the chance to work with key players on the training pitch—a luxury he’s not often had since arriving at the City Ground.
“It’s great to get them back,” he said. “They bring proven Premier League experience and leadership. Murillo has hardly featured so far, but we know the kind of talent he has. As for Dougie and Zinchenko, when they’ve played, they’ve clearly made a difference. Hopefully, they’ll contribute again today.”
Their inclusion could not have come at a better time, as Forest currently sit 17th in the Premier League, teetering just above the relegation zone. The Reds haven’t won a match since the opening day of the season, when they managed a narrow victory over Brentford under then-manager Nuno Espirito Santo.
A Tactical Shift and a Renewed Approach
Forest are expected to line up in a 3-5-2 formation, with Postecoglou favoring a more structured and possession-oriented setup as he seeks to build stability.
The likely back three features Nikola Milenkovic, Murillo, and Morato, shielding goalkeeper Matz Sels, who retains his spot between the sticks. Zinchenko and Neco Williams are expected to operate as wing-backs, offering width and attacking support on the flanks.
In midfield, the trio of Douglas Luiz, Ibrahim Sangaré, and Elliot Anderson will look to dictate the tempo, with Luiz expected to take on a deeper-lying playmaker role. Anderson, speaking ahead of the match, emphasized the team’s evolution and growing comfort with Postecoglou’s style of play.
“Things haven’t quite clicked yet,” Anderson admitted. “But we’re improving. We’ve had a good week of training, and we’re aiming to come out on the front foot today. We’re definitely a more possession-focused team now, compared to the more direct, attacking style we had last season. We just need to start converting our chances.”
Up front, Morgan Gibbs-White will operate just behind striker Taiwo Awoniyi, who has surprisingly been handed a start after working his way back to full fitness. Gibbs-White’s creativity and energy will be crucial in unlocking Chelsea’s backline.
Bench Options Provide Flexibility
Postecoglou has named a fairly experienced and versatile bench, giving himself multiple options depending on how the game unfolds. Among the substitutes are:
- John Victor
- Callum Hudson-Odoi
- Chris Wood
- Dan Ndoye
- Nicolás Domínguez
- Igor Jesus
- Ryan Yates
- Jair Cunha
- Nicolo Savona
This array of players offers the possibility to switch tactics mid-game, whether Forest are chasing a goal or looking to protect a lead—should they find themselves ahead for once.
Can Forest Finally Break Their Winless Streak?
For Nottingham Forest, this match represents more than just three points. It’s a potential turning point in their season. With Postecoglou still looking to imprint his philosophy on the team and the fan base eager for results, today’s game against Chelsea is pivotal.
The return of senior players could offer just enough balance and experience to give the Reds a fighting chance against a Chelsea side also battling inconsistency. A win today would not only lift Forest away from the relegation zone but also inject some much-needed belief into a squad that has shown glimpses of promise.
Kick-off at the City Ground is at 12:30 PM, and all eyes will be on whether Postecoglou’s tweaks and returning stars can finally bring a positive result.