Nottingham Forest are preparing for their Europa League campaign and may now have been given a triple boost as they gear up to take on Real Betis on Wednesday.
Nottingham Forest show solidity after chaotic Ange Postecoglou induction
Ange Postecoglou isn’t someone who fails to entertain, and his side have shown excitement and vulnerability in equal measure over the first three matches of his tenure at the City Ground.
Following a 3-0 defeat to Arsenal, his side began to show some of their offensive prowess against Swansea City last midweek, albeit the Tricky Trees were knocked out of the EFL Cup in extraordinary fashion after surrendering a two-goal lead.
After two defeats, Turf Moor was never an easy place to go as Burnley look to stabilise themselves in the Premier League. Nevertheless, Nottingham Forest put in a performance that has bred some optimism among supporters of what could be to come.
Fundamentally, Postecoglou’s emphasis on performance is something he believes can breed results. The Tricky Trees took on 17 shots and bossed proceedings with 63% possession against Scott Parker’s men, indicating that improvement is slowly seeping into his group of players as they work within his system.
Murillo could return for Nottingham Forest’s trip to face Real Betis on Wednesday, offering another encouraging crumb of comfort as things slowly start to come together for the Australian boss.
Evidently, his reign at the club is a work in progress and results may not come imminently. Still, the former Celtic boss won the Europa League last season with Nottingham Forest, so it is fair to say he knows how to get a result in continental competition.
Heading into the beginning of their European campaign, there could be another boost in store for the East Midlands-based outfit if developments elsewhere are to stand.
Isco could miss Real Betis vs Nottingham Forest
According to reports in Spain via Sport Witness, Real Betis playmaker Isco could be ruled out of facing Nottingham Forest on Wednesday after missing training on Monday.
The four-time Champions League winner has been absent since August and may be joined by Nelson Deossa and Pablo García after the pair also sat on the sidelines while their teammates prepare to face Premier League opposition.
Not just Luiz: Ange must now start "menacing" Nottingham Forest sensation
Ange Postecoglou will be hunting for his first win as Nottingham Forest boss against Burnley this afternoon.
ByEthan Lamb
La Liga outfit Betis sit sixth in the Spanish top-flight after six matches and claimed an impressive 3-1 victory over Real Sociedad last Friday, earning an extended rest period ahead of opening their Europa League account.
Boasting plenty of familiar faces, such as Antony, Giovani Lo Celso and Hector Bellerin, they have plenty of stars who have enjoyed distinguished careers in England.
Regardless, Isco is one of the finest playmakers in Europe when fully fit, meaning his absence would elevate Nottingham Forest’s chances of claiming something at Estadio Benito Villamarín.
