Nottingham Forest head into their final Championship fixture of the season still feeling the disappointment of missing out on a chance to fight for automatic promotion.
At a time when Forest can finish in third place in the standings with a victory, Hull City require three points to make sure of 18th position after a relatively strong end to the campaign.
Match preview
© Reuters
Forest supporters have gone through a range of emotions this season, starting with thoughts regarding relegation to the third tier, but they end the regular campaign feeling frustrated over missing out on automatic promotion.
That highlights the giants strides which have been made under Steve Cooper, and not even a haul of 27 points from a possible 33 was enough to prevent Bournemouth from sealing second position.
To Bournemouth's credit, they made Forest look an average team on Tuesday evening in their mammoth showdown, particularly in the second half before Kieffer Moore netted the decisive goal during the closing stages.
Cooper now has the task of trying to lift his squad ahead of an appearance in the playoffs - something which still represents a huge achievement in the circumstances - and there are plenty of reasons to rest his entire first-string for Saturday's game with home advantage already secured for the second leg of the playoffs.
Whether Cooper takes that approach remains to be seen, but such is the reputation that has been built at the City Ground that this group of players will not care who they face in the semi-finals.
© Reuters
From Hull's perspective, the owners are already formulating plans ahead of their own promotion push next year, but Shota Arveladze will not feel completely safe in the dugout.
While the Georgian legend has overseen improvements during the run-in, succumbing 5-0 to Bristol City last weekend could only have raised doubts about his position long term.
Up until the trip to Ashton Gate, the Tigers had only conceded 21 goals from 22 away fixtures, something which has gone under the radar throughout this campaign.
Hull's home form has been the issue, a total of 12 defeats being posted in 22 matches, but recent wins over Cardiff City and Reading have helped Arveladze win over some supporters who are still questioning his appointment in January.
- L
- W
- W
- L
- W
- L
- L
- W
- W
- W
- W
- L
Team News
© Reuters
Steve Cook could be left out of the Forest starting lineup after his father was taken ill on Tuesday night and the defender also suffering a head injury during the game with Bournemouth.
Ryan Yates will likely rest a shoulder issue, with Tobias Figueiredo and Cafu coming into the side, and there should be more alterations with many Forest players needing to recharge their batteries.
Joe Lolley, Alex Mighten and Xande Silva could be given a rare chance in attack, but Lewis Grabban has been ruled out for the rest of the season.
Arveladze will feel obliged to make alterations to his Hull XI with Allahyar Sayyadmanesh and Tom Eaves both in line to drop out of the attack.
Regan Slater and Marcus Forss could be handed opportunities, while Di'Shon Bernard may be drafted back into the defensive three.
Hull City possible starting lineup:
Baxter; McLoughlin, Greaves, Bernard; Coyle, Smallwood, Slater, Fleming; Honeyman, Lewis-Potter; Forss
Nottingham Forest possible starting lineup:
Samba; McKenna, Figueiredo, Worrall; Spence, Garner, Cafu, Laryea; Lolley, Mighten; Silva
We say: Hull City 1-1 Nottingham Forest
With there being every chance of Cooper making widespread changes to his squad, Hull will sense an opportunity to record a win which will set them up in a positive mindset for next season. However, with Forest having fringe players who will want to impress, we are backing a competitive draw to play out on Humberside.
