Nottingham Forest 89% and 2.15 stats prove why rarely-seen star must be unleashed vs Ipswich
Nottingham Forest star Callum Hudson-Odoi should be given a maiden league start of the season in their must-win game against Ipswich Town.
Forest are facing the genuine prospect of a relegation battle this season following a poor start to the campaign under Oliver Glasner.
The Austrian's position is under scrutiny right now after a defeat to Arsenal on Sunday saw his side slip into the Premier League relegation zone.
His job could well be on the line against newly-promoted Ipswich this Friday, with the Reds in desperate need of three points for only the second time this season.
Hudson-Odoi has struggled for minutes so far in this campaign, with the winger failing to naturally fit into Glasner's 3-4-2-1 formation.
He should be entrusted with a starting spot against the Tractor Boys as Forest hunt a vital win, especially when his stats from last term and impact from the bench against Arsenal are both considered.
Callum Hudson-Odoi deserves Nottingham Forest chance as Oliver Glasner faces sack threat
Hudson-Odoi registered 10 goal contributions in 43 appearances for Forest last term, but has become a forgotten man at the City Ground since Glasner's arrival.
He is yet to start a game in league or cup so far this season, with just four appearances from the bench as the Reds struggle to maintain form under their new boss.
The 25-year-old created one chance in nine minutes from the bench against Arsenal on Sunday, which was more than starting attacking midfielders Dan Ndoye and Nicolas Dominguez managed in 74 minutes respectively.
He also ranked highly among PL attacking midfielders and wingers for chances created (2.15) per 90 and successful passes (89.2) percentage and successful dribble (51.7) percentage, proving that he clearly has what it takes to be key to Forest's fortunes.
Glasner's struggles could be solved by the former Chelsea starlet this weekend, and it seems like a no-brainer for the boss to roll the dice under pressure to hand him a start against Ipswich.
Glasner must keep to his word by unleashing Hudson-Odoi vs Ipswich
Hudson-Odoi's pre-season preparations only began in August after he suffered a campaign-ending injury in mid-April.
Glasner may well have been reluctant to rush him back to action this term, but has previously hinted at increasing the 25-year-old's minutes as the season progresses.
Speaking to the media earlier this month, he said: "Callum just came back from a long-term injury, and it’s about getting him back to his best shape, and he’s shown that in the past he can score goals, claim assists and have a very positive impact for us. I’m hopeful that he can get these minutes."
Now is the time for Hudson-Odoi to start his first game of 2026-27, with Glasner and Forest in dire need of a win against Ipswich.