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Postecoglou Safe - For Now

Starting from the early hours today, Nottingham Forest were not intending to sack their manager but the volatile situation of the team and its proprietor the chairman indicates circumstances may shift rapidly.

The fans made their voices known on Thursday, calling for the departure of the man who took over from an local favorite and it is challenging to reverse the sentiment once that occurs.

The Australian is Marinakis’ man, the club chief having lined him up long before the previous manager was dismissed. All involved with the club expected a period of transition but to be winless in six matches and suffering defeats at their own ground to opposing teams were not part of the thoughts when he joined recently.

The Australian was always going to alter the approach but he has his tactical philosophy, which is distinctly unlike to his forerunner, so there is an understanding that adjustments require patience. Patience, however, is not a trait often seen at Forest. The upcoming league fixtures are against Newcastle, Chelsea and Bournemouth, so things are not going to get easier for Postecoglou.

Liverpool's Keeper Injured for Liverpool

The Liverpool manager addressed the media:

“Alisson is absent from the team tomorrow and he won’t travel to Brazil for the national team matches. Hugo [Ekitike] is returning to training this afternoon, let’s see where he is. The applies similarly for the winger. It hinges on how fast the recovery goes.

“I would not expect if he the keeper returns for the first game after the international break. From there on things can go a bit quicker or a bit slower. It’s hard to predict. I’m not a doctor so I am unable to confirm if it is the same injury.”

The backup keeper will play in place of the first choice.

“I think we’ve seen against the Saints how seamlessly he has fitted in. We were aware we were signing a high-quality shot-stopper. When he plays his first game that’s a demonstration he’s adjusted really well to our club. It’s expected because he’s a quality player. Now he can do what we’ve had to do so many occasions in the past replacing Alisson, like we’ve handled previously.”

Upcoming Fixtures

• Tonight
• Bournemouth v Fulham (evening kickoff)
• Saturday
• Whites face Spurs
• Arsenal v West Ham
• United meet Sunderland
• Blues clash with Reds
• Day after
• Aston Villa v Burnley
• Magpies host Forest
• Wolves v Brighton
• Toffees vs Eagles
• Brentford v Manchester City

European Results

It was a good night for the other English clubs in continental competitions. And a disappointing evening for the Scottish clubs.

The Eagles prolonged their winning streak as their manager kicks off continental campaign to strong beginning.

Europa League summary: Aston Villa star secures Villa win as Scottish sides suffer defeats.

Fan Reaction at Forest's Stadium

Events were nearly unprecedented on a sobering evening, thousands of home supporters chanting: “You’re getting sacked in the morning.” Then the same fans added insult to injury, singing the title of his former coach the ex-manager, with a number turning towards the owner observing with his own large personal screen in the executive area. This made for a dismal spectacle.

Weekend Lookahead

Unbeaten in the league since their Friday night opener, Bournemouth early momentum has been halted by back-to-back ties: at their stadium to the Magpies and at Leeds last week. Fulham travel to the Vitality on Friday, presenting Bournemouth a presentable chance of returning to victory and climbing the table. After a hectic off-season, the manager has aimed for stability in his lineup choices.

Trailing 2-1 at Leeds, the Bournemouth manager made a three substitutions to restore three regular players – David Brooks, Alex Scott and Marcus Tavernier – to his XI and was rewarded with a late leveller. Bournemouth have also preserved solidity at the back, allowing only one goal in four games between the trips to Liverpool and Leeds. The defender, often playing in an otherwise brand-new back five, has been key to the team’s continuity. The defender earned praise from Iraola for his defensive work and danger at attacking set-pieces – as evidenced by his aerial pass for Eli Junior Kroupi’s equaliser at Elland Road.