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Postecoglou Secure - At Present

As of the early hours today, Nottingham Forest had no plans to sack their manager but the volatile situation of the team and its owner Evangelos Marinakis indicates things can change quickly.

Supporters expressed their opinions on the previous day, demanding the departure of the coach who replaced an East Midlands hero and it is difficult to reverse the sentiment once that occurs.

The Australian is the owner's choice, the owner having lined him up long before Nuno Espirito Santo was sent packing. All involved with the club anticipated 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 arrived last month.

The Australian was intended to alter the approach but he has his tactical philosophy, which is very different to his predecessor, so there is an acceptance that these things take time. Patience, however, is not a trait often observed at the club. The next three Premier League games are against tough opponents, so the challenge will intensify for the manager.

Alisson Out for Liverpool

Arne Slot addressed the media:

“The goalkeeper is not part of the squad this weekend and he will not go to his national team for the national team matches. The forward is going to train again this afternoon, we will assess where he is. The applies similarly for the winger. It depends on how quickly they heal.

“I would not expect if he [Alisson] will be there for the initial match after the national team pause. After that things can go a bit quicker or a bit more gradual. It’s hard to predict. I’m not medically trained so I am unable to confirm if it is the identical issue.”

The backup keeper will play in place of Alisson.

“I think we’ve seen against Southampton 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 way of seeing he’s adjusted really well to our club. It’s not a surprise because he’s a skilled goalkeeper. Now he can perform the role we’ve needed to accomplish so many occasions in the past replacing the main keeper, like we’ve done so many times before.”

Weekend Fixtures

• Friday
• Bournemouth v Fulham (8pm)
• Tomorrow
• Leeds v Tottenham
• Arsenal v West Ham
• United meet Sunderland
• Chelsea v Liverpool
• Day after
• Villa play Burnley
• Magpies host Forest
• Wolves v Brighton
• Toffees vs Eagles
• Brentford v Manchester City

European Results

The evening went well for the other English clubs in continental competitions. And a bad night for the Scottish clubs.

The Eagles prolonged their unbeaten run as their manager kicks off European tilt to strong beginning.

Europa League roundup: McGinn seals victory as Rangers and Celtic lose.

Fan Reaction at Forest's Stadium

Events were close to extraordinary on a disheartening night, many local fans singing: “You’re getting sacked in the morning.” Then the same fans twisted the knife, voicing the title of his former coach the ex-manager, with several turning towards Evangelos Marinakis observing with his own giant private television in the executive area. This resulted in a dismal spectacle.

Preview of Matches

Without a loss in the Premier League since their Friday night opener, Bournemouth early momentum has been halted by consecutive draws: at home to the Magpies and at Elland Road last week. The Cottagers visit the stadium on tonight, offering Bournemouth a presentable chance of returning to victory and going second. After a hectic off-season, the manager has aimed for stability in his team selection.

Behind 2-1 at their opponents, the Bournemouth manager made a three substitutions to restore three usual starters – key squad members – to his XI and was compensated with a late leveller. The team have also maintained defensive stability, allowing only one goal in several matches between the trips to strong opponents. Marcos Senesi, often playing in an otherwise new defensive unit, has been crucial to the team’s continuity. The centre-back received accolades from the boss for his performances and threat at dead-ball situations – as evidenced by his aerial pass for the leveling goal at the venue.