Nottingham Forest get a second chance against Leeds United on Tuesday night, just three days after losing to the same opposition in the Premier League.
Anton Stach’s late free-kick settled the 1-0 defeat at the City Ground. Nottingham Forest will now have the chance to respond in the EFL Cup, with a place in the third round at stake this time around.
For Oliver Glasner, it’s another home game and another opportunity to put his own stamp on Forest. His reign has begun with defeat, but Tuesday offers a quick way to change the mood around the City Ground.
Nottingham Forest need a response after Leeds loss
Nottingham Forest had the better moments for large parts of Saturday’s game but couldn’t find a way past James Trafford.
Nikola Milenkovic also hit the post and Igor Jesus also had chances before Stach’s late strike decided it.
The cup meeting should feel different.
Leeds boss Daniel Farke knows that too. Asked about the quick return to Nottingham, he pointed out that the two matches can’t simply be treated the same way.
“Of course, there is no replacement for this winning feeling. First win, a clean sheet, away win, it’s a perfect start to the season.”
Farke also accepts that the cup brings a different kind of pressure.
“The way you play the cup is slightly different to a Premier League game because it’s a do or die game. There is always a winner in the end, and even if it’s with a penalty shootout.”
Forest’s recent form is patchy. They beat Bayer Leverkusen and Brest during pre-season, but also lost to Sporting Lisbon and Barcelona before the defeat to Leeds.
Leeds, on the other hand, have won four of their last five and will arrive with plenty of confidence after their opening-day success.
Team news and likely changes
Oliver Glasner will be without Ryan Yates and Nicolo Savona again, while Morgan Gibbs-White is also ruled out for the cup tie.
John Victor is expected to start in goal, while Ousmane Diomande could finally make his Forest debut after joining from Sporting Lisbon.
Diomande was left on the bench against Leeds, with Glasner explaining that his late arrival and fitness levels influenced the decision. Tuesday could therefore be the ideal opportunity to get him on the pitch from the start.
Leeds have their own selection issues. Wilfried Gnonto, Noah Okafor and Mateo Joseph are unavailable, while Ilia Gruev remains out with a knee problem. Nico Elvedi could feature, and Gabriel Gudmundsson may also be given more time after missing the league opener.
There is plenty at stake despite the quick turnaround. Leeds have won four of the last five meetings between the clubs, although Forest have previously had the better record when these sides have met in the EFL Cup.
With the league defeat still fresh, Glasner won’t need much motivation to get his players ready. Forest now have a chance to put one over Leeds, progress into the next round and, perhaps most importantly, get their first win of the new season.
