Fans of Nottingham Forest have been debating on Twitter who should replace the injured Samba Sow for Tuesday night’s fixture against Cardiff City.
Sow, who moved to Forest from Dinamo Moscow in the summer, has been in impressive form for the Reds this season, with the defensive midfielder averaging 3.8 tackles and 1.6 interceptions per game over his 18 league appearances.
The 30-year-old’s average WhoScored match rating of 6.99 also ranks him as Nottingham Forest’s third-best performer so far this season.
However, due to his withdrawal during Forest’s 2-2 draw at West Brom with a knee injury, Sow missed Saturday’s disappointing stalemate with QPR, and also looks likely to miss Tuesday night’s fixture against Cardiff.
In reaction to the news, Forest fans have taken to social media, debating who should stand in for the Mali international, with many hoping that it is not 22-year-old Ryan Yates.
Who should replace Samba Sow?
Ryan Yates
Tiago Silva
Other
https://twitter.com/CityGroundHQ/status/1231886924916383747
I think with Cardiff being a more physical game than QPR we need to play Yates, Samedo is too unpredictable. Play Silva, Lolley, Mighten behind Grabbs. Sorry Ameobi on the bench with JC, Tyler, Daws and Jenks
— Mike Patch (@MPatchitt) February 24, 2020
I actually think Bostock would offer far more than Yates although I’d personally say Silva and play Carvalho.
— Lee Clarke (@Clarkey_No1) February 24, 2020
I’d have Silva in holding role, but Yates is only other real option for that role tbh or possibly Samedo?
— Dave???? (@dj_zotov) February 24, 2020
Me and my lad think Yates looks like a lad who has won a competition to play with his heroes and runs around like a headless chicken trying to prove to these people that he’s good. This losing any shape we had. A tad harsh as he has potential but how it feels at the mo
— Mark Hefter (@statts1971) February 24, 2020
Not Yates
— NG18 Tricky Trees (@NG18Trickytrees) February 24, 2020
Anyone but Yates
— Ant Lord (@antlord46) February 24, 2020
Like Sow, been the difference this season – but seems to be made of glass. Will need another option in that position come the summer. Yates could be that option but think he needs a bit of time on loan at a decent standard (championship) or maybe the SPL
— welchy19 (@19welchy) February 24, 2020
Just play the same team that we did against QPR imo, maybe bring in Yates for more muscle but he has not been at the top of his game recently so perhaps not because he could prove to be a liability
— harveyscrim (@NFFC_Harvey) February 24, 2020
What do we think?
Sow would be a big miss for Forest, as the 30-year-old has performed well in Sabri Lamouchi’s counter-attacking system.
However, Tiago Silva would appear to be the amplest replacement for Sow, as the former Portugal U21 international has impressed when asked to play in a holding position, averaging a 7.27 WhoScored match rating over his four appearances in defensive midfield.