Five things to expect as Tottenham Hotspur visit Nottingham Forest

Often games come down to a bound or two of the ball. This could be the case on Sunday.

Are Spurs ready to pounce on a rebound or two?

One of the 19 signings from Forest this summer was goalkeeper Dean Henderson on loan from Manchester United. It was a bright signing for the player and the team, as Henderson was looking for minutes and Forest was looking for a goalkeeper.

Forest needed a goalkeeper after the only two players to don the gloves last season left over the summer. Former club number one, Brice Samba, went to FC Lens in France, while his backup, Ethan Horvath, went to Luton Town on loan.

Besides Henderson, Forest also brought Wayne Hennessey in on a free transfer from Burnley, but Henderson is the clear starter.

Henderson is an excellent shot blocker, currently second in league with 18 saves. However, many of those saves are parries, deflections, or blocks, which leave a rebound. Additionally, Henderson is not the best at commanding his penalty area with high claims, meaning the ball will likely bounce around in the Forest box more than any Nottingham defender might like.

If Tottenham can be alert and jump on the loose balls in the box, Spurs can nab a goal or two just from being in the right place at the right time.

Tottenham will look to break past the Forest defense

Like most high-pressure defensive approaches, Forest will couple that on-the-ball pressure with a high defensive line. Whether Moussa Naikhate or Steve Cook starts as the center of the three, expect that player to push the team up the pitch whenever the ball gets out of Forest’s defensive end.

The good news for Tottenham is that Spurs’ front three are equipped to handle the high line and pressure from Nottingham Forest.

Look for Harry Kane to drop deep, seeking the space between the Forest midfield and defense. In that space, Kane should be able to turn and find Dejan Kulusevski and Heung-min Son, with some space behind the Forest defense.

Assuming Kane can find that space and get enough time to turn and face, it could be an exciting day for Tottenham from an attacking perspective.

Forest is going to attack through the air

No one will mistake Forest for Liverpool; however, one trait Nottingham shares with the other Reds is a willingness to knock the ball into the box. New Nigerian forward Taiwo Awoniyi is a willing and able target in the box. His size and strength make him a formidable challenge for most defenders, and Spurs will be without Cristian Romero again.

On free kicks, Forest will bring up their defenders, of which Niakhate is an especially dangerous player in the air.

If Spurs are putting all their defensive focus on Niakhate, who has won 81% of 15 aerial duels this season, then Scott McKenna can sneak in as well. McKenna has won more than 60% of his heading duels and can likewise be a handful to defend on set pieces.

Ultimately, if Tottenham executes their game plan and is attentive on the pitch, they should be able to handle Forest well. If Spurs do not take advantage of the chances that come their way, Forest can create trouble and will have a chance or two.

Tottenham will handle their chances, and Spurs will keep pace with the frontrunners in a big 1-3 road win.