TALKING TACTICS: Width is the key to beating Forest

Eighteenth place was not on the agenda for last season’s play-off semi-finalists.

A defensive mix up from Watford on Saturday gifted the men from NG2 only their second victory of the season. A note of caution for Burnley. Both have come away from the City Ground

Forest will line up 5-3-2.They are vulnerable when pressure is exerted in the first phase.

Jonathan Greening will operate a holding role in front of a back five consisting of Chris Gunter, Wes Morgan, Luke Chambers, Joel Lynch and Clint Hill. The latter made his debut at Vicarage Road, having signed on an emergency loan from Queens Park Rangers. Temperament may be an issue. He was sent off on the opening day of the season for a headbutt on Bolton Wanderers’ Martin Petrov.

Long build up direct from Lee Camp is a routine that Forest look to dominate. He looks to place the ball onto the head of Ishmael Miller. The aim is to utilise the movement of Matt Derbyshire behind the defensive line. (Diagram A) Judgement and timing will be crucial if Burnley are to use the offside rule to their advantage.

The man dubbed the “English Killer” by Olympiacos fans will no doubt be itching to get on the scoresheet at Turf Moor. I need to offer no explanation why!

Camp is a goalkeeper whom I rate highly. There are few better in the Championship. However, his standard appears to have dipped somewhat in the opening weeks of the new season. He does not command his area at present. Communication is not at the level that I would expect. The Northern Irish international was beaten at his near post against former team Derby County last weekend, a criminal error for any goalkeeper.

Burnley will be faced with an extremely narrow midfield. Space will be condensed and Forest will not apply pressure in the third phase. When they lose possession expect a numerical imbalance in our favour. It is difficult for them to regain their shape.

How can Burnley achieve success? Width! Space will be evident down the flanks. Ross Wallace and Junior Stanislas need to get chalk on their boots.

Lateral free-kicks taken inswinging by Andy Reid (Diagram B). Four players will look to attack the delivery diagonally. Miller attacks the penalty spot, Greening is positioned outside the box and a late run is to be expected. Poor defensive transition is evident after an offensive set piece.

If selected Lewis McGugan will be entrusted with spot kicks otherwise Reid will assume responsibility.

His last effort was dispatched to the right of the goalkeeper.

» FOLLOW THE BURNLEY EXPRESS ON FACEBOOK