Nottingham Forest manager Steve Cooper has given his verdict on Tuesday night’s clash with Leeds United at Elland Road in what is a crucial clash between two sides in the thick of the relegation scrap, 17th hosting 15th.
Leeds come into the game having suffered a 4-1 loss to Arsenal. Morale has not been dampened though, given it was the Premier League leaders in which they were beaten by. Forest, meanwhile, failed to beat Wolves at home.
The same Wolves side that Leeds beat 4-2 away prior to the international break. Javi Gracia has got Leeds much more organised, securing a solid seven points from a possible 15 – five games which include Brighton and Arsenal.
Chelsea, too. Now, two absolutely crucial games that Leeds cannot lose. Both, at Elland Road, against relegation rivals Forest and then Palace. Fans on social media are hoping for six points, four at least. Cooper gave his take.
“It’s a big game. It’s a big game in hand for both of us and both teams will be doing everything to win. Tomorrow is a great game to look forward to, we understand the timing of the season, the league positions,” Cooper said.
“The context around it. We’ve got to relish the challenge, believe in ourselves. They’ve changed manager since our last game, but it’s still the same squad more or less. Can’t really compare the two games,” the Forest boss added.
Forest manager Cooper gives verdict on clash with Leeds at Elland Road
It is an enormous game. A win for Leeds could see us go as high as 13th place in the Premier League table, if other results go our way. A point might even see us go above Bournemouth and West Ham – if the latter lose heavily.
But what is absolutely crucial, is that Leeds get a result. Yes, a draw would be disappointing against Cooper’s side. Especially, given Forest’s woeful away form of late. But a defeat would be incredibly demoralising. A win, please.
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