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Postecoglou Secure - At Present

Starting from the early hours today, Nottingham Forest had no plans to fire Ange Postecoglou but the volatile situation of the team and its owner the chairman means that circumstances may shift rapidly.

The fans expressed their opinions on the previous day, calling for the departure of the man who replaced an East Midlands hero and it is difficult to turn the tide once that happens.

Postecoglou is Marinakis’ man, the owner having selected him long before Nuno Espirito Santo was sent packing. Everyone at Forest expected a period of transition but to be winless in six matches and suffering defeats at home to Sunderland and Midtjylland were not part of the thoughts when he arrived last month.

The Australian was always going to change the style but he has his tactical philosophy, which is very different to his forerunner, so there is an acceptance that adjustments require patience. Patience, however, is not a trait often seen at Forest. The upcoming league fixtures are against tough opponents, so the challenge will intensify for the manager.

Liverpool's Keeper Out for Liverpool

Arne Slot addressed the media:

“The goalkeeper is not part of the squad this weekend and he will not go to Brazil for the national team matches. Hugo [Ekitike] is going to train again this afternoon, we will assess where he is. The applies similarly for the winger. It hinges on how quickly they heal.

“I will be surprised if he the keeper returns for the initial match after the international break. After that things can go a bit quicker or a bit slower. It’s hard to predict. I’m not a doctor so I am unable to confirm if it is the same injury.”

Giorgi Mamardashvili is set to start in place of the first choice.

“I believe we’ve seen against Southampton how seamlessly he has fitted in. We were aware we were bringing in a high-quality shot-stopper. When he plays his first game that’s a way of seeing he’s adjusted really well to the team. It’s expected because he’s a quality goalkeeper. Now he can do what we’ve had to do so many times in the previous seasons replacing the main keeper, like we’ve done so many times before.”

Upcoming Fixtures

• Tonight
• Cherries host Fulham (8pm)
• Tomorrow
• Leeds v Tottenham
• Arsenal v West Ham
• United meet Sunderland
• Chelsea v Liverpool
• Day after
• Villa play Burnley
• Magpies host Forest
• Wolves v Brighton
• Everton v Crystal Palace
• Bees welcome City

Continental Action

The evening went well for the other English clubs in continental competitions. And a bad night for the Scottish clubs.

The Eagles prolonged their winning streak as Muñoz gets European tilt to flying start.

Europa League roundup: Aston Villa star seals Villa win as Rangers and Celtic suffer defeats.

Supporters' Response at Forest's Stadium

The scenes were close to extraordinary on a disheartening night, many local fans singing: “You’re getting sacked in the morning.” Then the supporters twisted the knife, singing the title of his predecessor the ex-manager, with a number turning towards Evangelos Marinakis observing with his own giant private television in the directors’ box. This resulted in a dismal spectacle.

Preview of Matches

Without a loss in the league since their Friday night opener, the Cherries early momentum has been halted by consecutive draws: at their stadium to the Magpies and at Elland Road recently. The Cottagers visit the stadium on tonight, presenting Andoni Iraola’s side a presentable chance of recapturing winning ways and climbing the table. After a turbulent summer, Iraola has aimed for stability in his lineup choices.

Trailing 2-1 at their opponents, the Bournemouth manager made a triple change to reintroduce three regular players – key squad members – to his starting eleven and was compensated with a late leveller. Bournemouth have also maintained solidity at the back, conceding just once in four games between the away games to strong opponents. Marcos Senesi, often playing in an otherwise new defensive unit, has been key to the squad's cohesion. The defender earned praise from the boss for his defensive work and danger at dead-ball situations – as shown by his headed assist for the leveling goal at the venue.