Three key strategies Steve Cooper must employ for Leicester City to overcome Nottingham Forest

After a season apart, Leicester City and Nottingham Forest, fierce local rivals, are set to clash at the King Power Stadium on Friday night, with both sides aiming for a crucial victory.

 

Leicester City comes into the match on the back of two consecutive wins, with their most recent triumph being a thrilling 3-2 comeback victory against Southampton, where they overturned a two-goal deficit.

 

On the other hand, Nottingham Forest also arrives with momentum, having secured a 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace on Monday night.

 

For Nottingham Forest’s manager, Steve Cooper, this match holds particular significance, as it will be the first time he faces his former club since being dismissed in December 2023.

 

Despite being Forest’s most successful manager in recent memory, having guided them back to the Premier League after a 23-year absence, Cooper was sacked, a decision that left a bitter taste for many.

 

Now, he will be eager to prove a point against his former side.

 

As this promises to be a closely contested encounter, the Leicester City manager will need to focus on three key factors to maintain their winning streak and continue their good form.

 

Start Abdul Fatawu

 

Arguably the most important decision for Leicester City is starting Abdul Fatawu.

 

The impact he made in the previous match against Southampton was significant, and it is no coincidence that Leicester City looked a much stronger side once he was introduced in the second half.

 

Despite only coming on in the 59th minute, Fatawu was named the man of the match, which speaks volumes about his contribution.

 

The Ghanaian winger played a crucial role in Leicester’s comeback.

 

He provided an assist, played a key part in the build-up to Leicester’s penalty, and won the corner that eventually led to the winning goal.

 

Fatawu has consistently demonstrated that he is more than capable of performing at the top level, and his dynamic presence could be essential to unlocking Forest’s defense.

 

Pairing him with Stephy Mavididi, a combination that worked exceptionally well last season, could prove to be a formidable threat, especially against a Forest defense that has shown vulnerabilities when it comes to pace.

 

Contain Chris Wood

 

While Nottingham Forest has struggled in front of goal this season, being the joint-fourth lowest scorers in the league, Leicester City cannot afford to underestimate them.

 

Chris Wood, a former Leicester striker, has been in fine form this season, scoring five of Forest’s eight league goals.

 

As a tall, physical forward, Wood is a traditional target man who will look to involve his teammates and dominate aerial battles in the box.

 

He will undoubtedly be eager to score against his former club.

 

Leicester’s defense must be prepared to handle Wood’s physicality and ability to bring others into play.

Wout Faes, a defender who thrives on old-school striker versus defender duels, is well-suited to dealing with Wood’s style of play.

 

Faes, alongside his defensive partner Caleb Okoli, who possesses more speed than Wood, should be able to handle the physical battles and beat him to the ball in 50/50 challenges.

 

Considering Wood is the primary source of goals for Forest, keeping him quiet will significantly improve Leicester’s chances of victory.

 

Manage the Occasion

 

For Steve Cooper, this game is not just another fixture—it represents a chance for personal redemption.

 

Cooper, who has strong ties to Nottingham Forest and was instrumental in their return to the Premier League, was sacked despite his success.

 

The emotional stakes for him in this match will be high, as he faces his former club for the first time since his departure.

 

However, it’s crucial that Cooper doesn’t allow the emotions of the occasion to cloud his judgment.

 

The desire for revenge or validation could lead to risky tactical decisions, but Cooper must stay calm and focused on the game plan that has worked for Leicester in recent matches.

 

There is no need for drastic changes or experimenting with new formations.

 

Instead, he should trust what has brought success in the past few games and focus on executing the plan effectively.

 

For both teams, this match holds high stakes—not only in terms of local bragging rights but also in their respective campaigns.

 

Leicester will look to build on their recent good form, while Forest, led by a manager with something to prove, will be hoping to spoil the party.

 

It promises to be a tense and exciting affair under the Friday night lights at the King Power Stadium.