Nottingham Forest
£11m man debuts as forest predicted starting XI
Nottingham Forest enter the FA Cup this afternoon and we’ve taken a look at a predicted XI that Nuno Espirito Santo might call upon.
It really was a wonderful Christmas time for Forest supporters. The team defeated Newcastle and Manchester United in the space of four days to go five points clear of the drop zone
Ahead of the game this afternoon, here’s the XI we think Forest might deploy against League One outfit Blackpool…
Predicted Nottingham Forest XI vs Blackpool
The Forest rearguard
It does seem certain that Odysseas Vlachodimos will get another chance to shine in the FA Cup this afternoon.
Matt Turner made another error against United and it seems like a good time to recall the Greek stopper.
Defensively, it could be all change from the win over United.
We think Neco Williams and Harry Toffolo will both come in at right and left-back respectively.
At centre-back, there will be an enforced change, with Moussa Niakhate now on Senegal duty.
We also think that there could be a debut for Andrew Omobamidele who is yet to play since he moved from Norwich for £11 million.
Joe Worrall is likely to be the man who plays alongside him this afternoon.
The Forest engine room
Ryan Yates was in sound form against United and he should keep his place in the team.
Alongside him, there is likely to be a recall for Orel Mangala who didn’t feature much against Newcastle and the Red Devils.
Ibrahim Sangare will definitely be missing as he’s now with Ivory Coast ahead of the African Cup of Nations.
Leading the Forest line
It’s going to be difficult for Espirito Santo here as Chris Wood might be his only fit striker.
If that is the case he could choose to start him, despite probably fancying giving him a rest.
Behind him, Callum Hudson-Odoi should get the chance to play from the off as he bids for more match sharpness.
Morgan Gibbs-White should be in line for a rest, so we expect Danilo to be utilised in a more advanced role.
On the left, Espirito Santo could dip into the academy to give Ateef Konate a run out in the senior ranks.
