Preview: Sturm Graz vs Nottingham Forest
Sports Mole previews Thursday's Europa League clash between Sturm Graz and Nottingham Forest.
Nottingham Forest's New Approach
Sean Dyche has made it clear he plans to deliver “effective” football rather than “fashionable” play at Nottingham Forest. His strategy showed positive results in his first game as manager when Forest defeated Portuguese giants Porto 2-0 at the City Ground, marking their first European victory in 30 years.
Recent Premier League Form
Despite the European success, Forest's Premier League form under Dyche has been disappointing. They earned only one point from their last two games—a 2-0 loss at Bournemouth and a 2-2 draw at home against Manchester United. This leaves them winless in their last nine Premier League matches (three draws, six losses) and sitting 19th in the table.
Europa League Standings and Upcoming Challenge
Though Forest face the threat of early relegation in the Premier League, they currently sit 17th in the 36-team Europa League table. They have recorded one win, one draw, and one loss in the League Phase so far. A victory against Sturm Graz on Thursday could help Forest climb into the top eight, depending on other results.
Travel and Defensive Concerns
Forest will travel to Austria aiming to break their seven-match winless streak away from home in all competitions (three draws, four losses). They also need to bolster their defense, having kept only one clean sheet since early April, which was the 2-0 victory over Porto.
Sean Dyche stated his intention to implement “effective” football rather than “fashionable” football at Nottingham Forest.
Nottingham Forest recorded their first European win in 30 years by beating Porto 2-0 at the City Ground.
Author's summary: Nottingham Forest's pragmatic approach under Sean Dyche faces a stern test against Sturm Graz as they seek to improve poor away form and climb the Europa League standings.