Forest and Spurs confirm contrasting shapes at the City Ground

Forest’s 3-4-2-1 relies on the back three to initiate possession and provide cover against Tottenham’s wide attackers. Jair Cunha anchors the central defensive role, flanked by two partners who will be tasked with stepping into midfield when Forest have the ball. The wing-backs — likely pushing high — give the formation its width, allowing the two number tens to operate in the half-spaces. With no shots or touches in the opposition box recorded in the opening minutes, the early phase will test whether Forest’s front three can find space against a Spurs defence that has conceded four goals in two matches.

Tottenham’s 4-2-3-1 places a double pivot ahead of the back four, with Conor Gallagher expected to provide box-to-box energy alongside a more defensive partner. The attacking trio behind the striker — likely featuring Dan Ndoye and Destiny Udogie on the flanks — will look to exploit the channels between Forest’s wing-backs and centre-backs. Antonín Kinsky starts in goal for Spurs, the summer signing making his Premier League debut after the club’s £300 million summer outlay. Tottenham have completed five passes in the opposition half in the first half, compared to Forest’s none, suggesting an early intent to control territory.

De Zerbi confirmed before kick-off that Savio misses out due to muscular fatigue, while James Maddison remains sidelined with a shoulder injury sustained in the opening weekend defeat to Brentford. Both players were absent from the matchday squad, forcing a reshuffle in the creative positions. Meanwhile, transfer speculation continues to surround Tottenham’s squad: sources indicate Lucas Bergvall is pushing for a move away, with Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa reported to be leading the race for the disillusioned midfielder. "I'm sure Tottenham don't want to keep a player who is unhappy and has indicated that he is interested in a move away," a source told Football Insider. Dominic Solanke’s future is also uncertain, with Forest monitoring the striker’s situation ahead of the window’s close. For Forest, the absence of key attackers from last season’s squad means the onus falls on the two attacking midfielders to generate chances against a Spurs side that has yet to keep a clean sheet.