Nottingham Forest taking on Stoke City in a friendly will be a ‘useful test’, according to journalist Paul Taylor.
The Lowdown: Training programme underway
The Premier League side secured a 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace almost a fortnight ago which saw them climb up the table to 18th, just one point from safety during the World Cup break.
The Tricky Trees are now underway with their mid-season training programme at Wilford Lane as they step up preparations for their return to domestic action, and it sounds like a match has been scheduled to ensure they stay up to speed.
The Latest: Taylor’s reaction
Taking to Twitter, Taylor revealed that Forest are set to face the Potters in a friendly next week and delivered his thoughts on the arranged fixture. He wrote:
“#NFFC will play Stoke City at Loughborough University on Friday December 2 (7.30pm) as part of their mid-season training programme.
“#NFFC fans will be allowed to attend.
“Might not be as warm as Spain or Greece… but a useful test for Steve Cooper’s side.”
The Verdict: Ideal competition
Forest being able to fit in a match before returning to league action is a bonus regardless of the opposition, but Stoke are the ideal competition.
Alex Neil’s side have been in the Championship for a few seasons now and are looking to gain promotion so the Reds will know the position they are in having been there and got the tee shirt.
Steve Cooper will be given a good indication of where his team are at based on the outcome of this game and they will be hoping to pick up where they left off when they face Blackburn in the EFL Cup next month.