Thread by @InvertTheWing

Tottenham need to capitalise off of their beating of Newcastle, and a win against Nottingham Forest is imperative for them to continue this momentum into January.

How Ange Postecoglou can set up tactically to come out with a result, what to expect, and my predictions.

THREAD

The ongoing tactical odyssey at Nottingham Forest, under the guide of Steve Cooper, has been an interesting watch of adaptation and experimentation. While the team has predominantly adhered to a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 formation this season, recent deviations towards a back five during preseason and in the latest fixture have added layers to the tactical evolution.

Cooper's tactical approach is a bit confusing, alternating between his inclination for possession-based football and the pragmatic necessity of a counter-attacking low block. The tactical pendulum swings between a back five, a familiar setup from the Championship, and a standard back four, reflecting an ongoing quest to play a more sustainable brand of football.

Cooper leans towards possession-based football, yet the squad's limitations often necessitate a pragmatic shift to a counter-attacking strategy—most notably against footballing giants, particularly teams who tend to invert their fullback, like Manchester City and Liverpool.

The challenge is apparent in the struggle to seamlessly transition between these distinct styles, raising questions about Forest's individual tactical adaptability and the potential frustration encountered by Cooper.

The tactical trajectory is entwined with player availability, with a back five seemingly better suited to the squad's composition. However, the occasional shift to a back four against specific opponents reveals a desire for tactical diversity. The mixed results from these experiments hint at the ongoing challenge of striking a balance between tactical fluidity and a coherent defensive structure.

But against Tottenham, it is almost certain Steve Cooper will opt for a Back 5. I have mentioned several, several times, teams that invert often face a big problem with a lack of width. And after adapting a similar system in their game against Wolves, where they received their first point since November, Steve Cooper, out of necessity will be forced to revert back to such a style.

I would be very surprised if Cooper opts for anything else, considering it has been a general success during his tenure in the league, especially against the big teams.

For Tottenham, deciphering Forest's tactical intricacies becomes paramount. The expected use of a back five suggests Forest will look to exploit Tottenham’s lack of width, presenting an opportunity for Spurs to exploit through central build-up.

Forest's key assets, particularly their threat on the counter-attacks and set-piece proficiency, are likely to play a significant role.

Elanga, in conjunction with Gibbs White, with their prowess in transitional play, stand out as potential game-changers.

Furthermore, the duo of Gibbs White and Chris Wood on set pieces will be an issue Tottenham have to take care of, even with the return of Romero. Whilst it is true that Tottenham have yet to concede from a corner, Tottenham also have some of the worst collective aerial win percentage.

For Tottenham, the tactical focus must revolve around patient build-up, central play, and minimizing the risk of counter-attacks. The influence of players like Kulusevski becomes paramount, as their ability to control the midfield can dictate the flow of the game via elite ball retention.

A tactical dilemma for Tottenham lies in the ability of Son to drop deep and contribute to central congestion, because you want to avoid the wide areas as much as possible. You want to add more bodies centrally and create exploitations like that.

Richarlison, in contrast, is unable to do this to the same extent, lacking in build up more.

However, I am also fond of the “If it’s not broken, don’t fix it”, so I would not change anything. But The dynamic interplay between Son and Richarlison's adaptability can be a pivotal element in Tottenham's strategic approach.

Similarly, the use of inverted wingers here could also pose a small threat. But it is not a change that will be done. However, this is a game I think I would utilise Son in his typical Left Wing role, as opposed to how he was utilised against Newcastle. An inside forward almost. Like I said, to avoid playing in the wide areas, cutting in directs the ball more centrally.

Furthermore, to aid with even more central congestion, during build up it is very likely that Romero plays more advanced than he usually does, oftentimes advancing almost as a 6, and I would expect Porro and Udogie to undertake more defensive responsibility than creative responsibility in a game like that, whilst Romero acts as yet another DLP almost.

Overall, this is not an easy game. Forest play a compact game. And Steve Cooper’s job is on the line, whilst you are playing away from home in one of the most intimidating grounds in the country against a tactical mismatch. But really, as difficult as the game should be, it will be very disappointing if Tottenham do not capitalise off of their poor form. A draw should be the minimum result.

As for my prediction, I will say 2-1. But this is just for fun.

Elanga, Son, and Sarr are my predicted scorers. But I would not rule out Richlarlison.