Nottingham Forest

Nottingham Forest predicted XI for FA Cup needs ajustment

Published

9 months ago

January 3, 2024

Nottingham Forest will be eager to maintain their momentum when they host Blackpool in the FA Cup this weekend.

The Reds have registered back-to-back Premier League wins under Nuno Espirito Santo. And they will be keen to keep their good form going in Sunday’s third round tie at the City Ground.

Nuno faces an interesting selection dilemma when it comes to picking his team. He has been keen to cast an eye over his squad since being appointed last month, ahead of what he has described as “hard decisions” needing to be made over potential January exits.

The clash with the Seasiders could offer an opportunity for the Portuguese boss to take a look at some of those players he has not yet been able to properly assess. He must also find a way to navigate being without a number of players for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations, which takes place from January 13 to February 11. Moussa Niakhate, Cheikhou Kouyate, Willy Boly, Serge Aurier, Ibrahim Sangare and Ola Aina have all been called up by their countries for the tournament.

The selection of Boly and Niakhate for the competition could present an opportunity for Joe Worrall to start against Blackpool. He has been brought back into the fold under Nuno and came off the bench in the Boxing Day victory over Newcastle United before being an unused substitute against Manchester United last weekend.

Gonzalo Montiel has impressed at right-back in the last two games but Nuno may decide to mix things up at the back. He namechecked Neco Williams for the role he played in seeing out the win over Erik ten Hag’s side, having also done well against Bournemouth.

Harry Toffolo will no doubt be hoping to get his place back on the left, after Aina started the last two games. Arsenal loanee Nuno Tavares is yet to get any minutes under Nuno but has been linked with a January departure.

Behind the defence, it could be Nuno opts to make a change between the posts to have a look at Odysseas Vlachodimos. Matt Turner has held on to his spot since the change in head coach but has had some tough moments and Nuno previously hinted he would be prepared to switch goalkeepers.

In midfield, Orel Mangala will surely be hoping for a recall to the XI. He has been among the substitutes for the last two games. However, Ryan Yates stood out against United and Danilo looks like he is starting to find some form.

It could be that Callum Hudson-Odoi also returns to the line-up. Nuno explained it was a choice between the former Chelsea man or Nicolas Dominguez to start last weekend. He plumped for the latter and was rewarded with a goal from the Argentine, but he might opt for Hudson-Odoi this time around.

It remains to be seen whether Divock Origi is in contention for the match. He was ruled out last weekend due to a “problem” in the build-up. If he is not available, Chris Wood would likely keep his spot up front.

Predicted Forest XI: Vlachodimos; Williams, Worrall, Murillo, Toffolo; Yates, Danilo; Elanga, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi; Wood.