Ange Postecoglou will be hoping that he can claim his first win as Nottingham Forest manager this afternoon when his side travel to face Burnley at Turf Moor.
The Aussie has already lost his first two outings in charge, losing 3-0 against Arsenal last weekend before falling to a late defeat against Swansea City in the Carabao Cup.
Igor Jesus’ first-half double gave the Reds a 2-0 lead at the break, but three second-half goals from the Championship side knocked the Premier League outfit out of the competition at the first hurdle.
However, the clash against Scott Parker’s side today presents a quick opportunity for the 60-year-old to gain his first victory in the role after taking over from Nuno Espírito Santo.
The volume of additions made by Evangelos Marinakis has handed the new boss key depth in various areas of the squad, with one of the new additions deserving of his first league start.
Why Douglas Luiz needs to start against Burnley
Brazilian midfielder Douglas Luiz joined Forest on loan with an obligation to buy from Juventus during the summer window, subsequently injecting needed quality into the heart of the side.
He’s had to bide his time in the East Midlands, failing to appear in a single minute of first-team action before Wednesday’s cup defeat in South Wales.
The 27-year-old featured in the defeat for an hour, but demonstrated his composed nature – something which could make him a valuable asset against the Clarets later today.
He won 100% of the duels he entered, whilst also being fouled four times – the most of any player on the pitch – with the opposition often unable to dispossess the former Aston Villa man.
Luiz also completed 86% of the passes he attempted, creating one big chance in the process, showcasing his excellent ability in and out of possession.
However, he shouldn’t be the only player handed his first Premier League start for the Reds, with another talent impressing in the defeat to the Swans in midweek.
The Forest player who can unlock Ange’s first win
After securing Europa League football in 2024/25, there was always going to be added pressure on Forest to be competitive in all of the competitions they entered.
European football, for the first time in 30 years at the City Ground, will give a generation of supporters memories to last a lifetime, but also open the door to adding a third star to their badge.
The ability to qualify for such a competition has undoubtedly aided the club in the transfer market, allowing for numerous high-profile names to make the move to the East Midlands.
Luiz will undoubtedly be one of the biggest, given his recent stints across Europe, but Dilane Bakwa is another player the hierarchy managed to get a deal completed for in the same window
The French youngster joined in a deal totalling £30m from Ligue 1 side Strasbourg on deadline day, adding further depth and quality into the club’s already threatening frontline.
However, like Luiz, he’s had to be patient to get his chance to shine, subsequently making his Reds debut off the bench against Arsenal at Emirates, seven days ago.
Bakwa, who’s been labelled “menacing” by journalist Antonio Mango, made his first start on Wednesday and grabbed his chance with both hands – completing 100% of the dribbles he attempted.
Minutes played
62
Touches
38
Pass accuracy
86%
Dribbles completed
100%
Passes into final third
4
Chances created
2
Ground duels won
100%
Big chances created
1
He also registered four passes into the final third, whilst creating two chances for his new teammates and often looking a real threat when driving at the opposition’s backline.
The 23-year-old has bags of pace in his arsenal, potentially making him a key player in Postecoglou’s attacking-minded system – as seen in midweek with the Reds’ second goal.
The right-winger has yet another chance to stake his claim for a regular starting role this afternoon, with the youngster more than deserving of the opportunity to start his first Premier League game.
If he and Luiz both start against Parker’s men, there’s no reason as to why Ange can’t claim his first win as manager – kick-starting his reign and allowing the fanbase to forget about their Carabao Cup disappointment.