Nottingham Forest boss Reaction as Taiwo Awoniyi misses key Luton Town clash

Head coach Nuno Espirito Santo has named his Nottingham Forest team to face Luton Town in today’s crunch clash.

The Portuguese has not shied away from the significance of this afternoon’s game for his side. The Reds take on their relegation rivals on the back of four successive defeats in all competitions.

They lost 1-0 at Brighton and Hove Albion last time out, with Nuno left furious at another refereeing decision going against his team as the hosts avoided a red card. Ahead of kick-off at Kenilworth Road, Forest are one place and three points ahead of their opponents in the Premier League table.

Nuno came in for some criticism for his line-up last time out, when he started with pacey wingers Anthony Elanga and Callum Hudson-Odoi on the bench. The former is back in the XI against the Hatters as the Reds boss makes three changes, but there is no Taiwo Awoniyi in the match squad due to injury.

Willy Boly comes into the back line and is set to partner Murillo in the heart of the defence. Neco Williams and Harry Toffolo keep their places at full-back ahead of goalkeeper Matz Sels.

There is a return for Gio Reyna as the American is included among the substitutes after recovering from a knock. Matt Turner, Cheikhou Kouyate, Hudson-Odoi, Nicolas Dominguez, Felipe, Danilo, Andrew Omobamidele and Rodrigo Ribeiro will make up the bench.

Forest: Sels; Williams, Boly, Murillo, Toffolo; Yates, Sangare; Elanga, Gibbs-White, Origi; Wood. Subs: Turner, Kouyaté, Hudson-Odoi, Domínguez, Felipe, Reyna, Danilo, Omobamidele, Ribeiro.