Published Sep 19, 2026, 7:40 AM GMT+1

Emilio is an experienced football journalist who has worked at Football FanCast for over six years, specialising in transfer analysis, Premier League reporting and the business of football.
 

After graduating with first-class honours from the University of Central Lancashire in 2019, it didn't take long for Emilio to begin his journalism career at Snack Media, now Valnet.
 

Emilio has a particular interest in football finance, recruitment and the business behind the modern game. In his spare time, you can find Emilio travelling the world, or even in a boxing ring.

Oliver Glasner’s side claimed their first Premier League win of the season last weekend, beating Aston Villa 2-1 through goals from Liam Delap and Igor Jesus.

That result gave Forest a welcome lift after they opened the campaign with defeat to Leeds United before drawing against Liverpool and Tottenham.

Five points from four matches is a solid return, but victory over Coventry would make their start look considerably stronger.

Forest will be expected to take control against opponents who have endured a miserable return to the top flight.

Coventry have lost their opening four league matches without scoring, while they have already conceded 10 times. Their most recent Premier League outing ended in a painful 5-0 home defeat to Brighton.

A 3-1 Carabao Cup loss against Aston Villa followed in midweek, leaving Frank Lampard with plenty to address.

Former Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi is also suspended, denying him the chance to face his old club.

Despite Coventry’s problems, this could present Forest with a different test.

Glasner’s team found joy attacking space during their victory at Villa Park, but they may have to break down a deeper and more cautious defence on Saturday.

Delap should be full of confidence after opening his Forest account and seriously impressing so far at the club, while Jesus made a strong case for another start by scoring the winner.

Morgan Gibbs-White’s creativity could also prove vital if Coventry sit back and attempt to frustrate their hosts.

However, Forest must tackle the game without one of their most reliable defenders.

Oliver Glasner confirms Nikola Milenkovic blow before Nottingham Forest face Coventry

Glasner has confirmed that Nikola Milenkovic will remain unavailable after missing the win at Villa with a hamstring problem.

The 'big' and 'aggressive' Serbian reported tightness before that match and has not recovered quickly enough to face Coventry.

Milenkovic will be a major absence.

He offers strength, leadership and composure at the heart of the defence, while his aerial ability makes him a threat from set-pieces at the other end.

Forest do at least have enough depth to avoid rushing him back.

Jair Cunha has resumed training, while Ousmane Diomande stepped into the side against Villa and helped Glasner’s men secure all three points.

Murillo and Ola Aina provide further experience around the back line, so Forest should still be capable of containing a Coventry attack yet to find the net in the league.

The pressure will instead be on Glasner’s players to turn their superiority into goals.

Coventry’s poor start makes Forest clear favourites, especially after their impressive result at Villa.

While Milenkovic’s absence removes some authority from their defence, it shouldn't alter expectations around the City Ground.