Glasner throws De Zerbi dig ahead of Nottingham Forest and Tottenham showdown

Nottingham Forest return to the City Ground on Saturday afternoon knowing their meeting with Tottenham already carries importance.

Oliver Glasner’s side have taken one point from their opening two Premier League matches. A narrow defeat at Leeds was followed by an encouraging 2-2 draw at Liverpool, where Forest twice found a way back.

REUTERS/David Klein

There was enough at Anfield to suggest the new era under Glasner is beginning to take shape.

Forest looked dangerous when they attacked quickly and refused to fold after falling behind, but Glasner will want that promise turned into a first victory.

Tottenham arrive in even greater need of a result.

Roberto De Zerbi has lost his first two league games in charge, with Spurs beaten 3-0 by Brentford before suffering a 2-0 home defeat against Newcastle.

That leaves the north London club bottom of the table, without a goal and with five conceded. The pressure may be at an early stage, but another flat display would make their difficult start impossible to ignore.

REUTERS/Ian Walton

Forest should take belief from their recent record in this fixture.

They have won the last four Premier League meetings between the clubs, including a 3-0 success in north London in March.

Liam Delap could also be handed his first Forest start after making an impact from the bench at Liverpool. His power and direct running would give a struggling Tottenham defence a different problem to solve.

REUTERS/Scott Heppell

The tactical contest promises to be important.

De Zerbi wants his teams to invite pressure, pass through it and create space further forward. When it works, Spurs can move opponents around and attack gaps quickly.

When the timing is wrong, however, they can leave themselves exposed.

Glasner throws subtle dig at ‘very obvious’ De Zerbi tactics

REUTERS/Matthew Childs

Glasner believes that recognisable approach has helped Forest plan for Saturday, and the Austrian also said that De Zerbi’s tactics are very on the nose, which has allowed his side to better prepare.

The “very obvious” line will attract attention, but Glasner was not simply dismissing Tottenham.

Even so, his comments reveal genuine confidence in the Forest camp. Glasner expects certain movements, knows how Spurs are likely to chase the ball and has been drilling his players accordingly.

The challenge is now to turn that preparation into points.

If Forest can stay composed under pressure and release their forwards into the space beyond Tottenham’s press, they will have a major chance to extend their winning run in this fixture.