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Nottingham Forest striker Daryl Murphy has started the club’s previous three Championship fixtures with Lewis Grabban out through injury, but as he struggles Martin O’Neill needs to turn to Leo Bonatini for the visit of Hull City on Saturday.
On the chalkboard
Well, the 6ft 3in centre-forward largely had to settle for substitute appearances under previous Reds boss Aitor Karanka, with the Spaniard preferring a formation that incorporated just the one striker – more often than not, Grabban.
However, the 35-year-old has featured far more regularly since his former Republic of Ireland manager took charge at the City Ground, featuring both before and after his attacking teammate suffered his setback.
He has struggled to make an impact as a lone man up top though, and he was especially disappointing during the 2-0 defeat to Stoke City last weekend where he failed to hold up the ball or provide the movement needed to cause the Potters problems.
Bonatini is the answer?
He can certainly answer O’Neill’s prayers.
Nottingham Forest emerged victorious in the East Midlands derby last Monday. Checkout the thoughts of some Forest legends in the video below…
The Brazilian proved last season with parent club Wolverhampton Wanderers that he can get goals at this level when he is confident, but the January arrival has only played 99 minutes of Championship football thus far.
The 24-year-old has the power and ability to help this Forest side out in the final third however, and he could help bring out the best from the likes of Joe Lolley and Matty Cash again following a drop off in terms of goals and assists for the wide duo.
He needs to be given his opportunity ahead of Murphy with the east Midlands outfit’s play-off hopes potentially hanging on it.