Nottingham Forest predicted XI for FA Cup

Nottingham Forest head coach Nuno Espirito Santo faces some big selection decisions for next week’s FA Cup replay with Blackpool.

The Reds had to settle for a 2-2 draw with the Seasiders in the third round tie at the City Ground last weekend. And that meant Nuno had to scrap plans for a training camp at St George’s Park during his team’s winter break in order to accommodate the additional game.

Forest were due to have a fortnight off in between last Saturday’s match and their Premier League trip to Brentford on January 20. But that has been cut short and they will now head to Bloomfield Road next Wednesday to determine who will progress to the fourth round.

It might be that the quick turnaround between the clash on the west coast and the meeting with the Bees has an impact on Nuno’s thinking when it comes to naming his team. As was the case last weekend, he will be without six players who are on duty for their countries at the Africa Cup of Nations – Moussa Niakhate, Cheikhou Kouyate, Willy Boly, Serge Aurier, Ibrahim Sangare and Ola Aina.

Felipe and Taiwo Awoniyi remain sidelined due to injury. And it could be that Anthony Elanga and Divock Origi are doubts after missing the first game against Blackpool. Below is a look at how we think Forest will line up next week.

Nuno’s biggest call arguably centres around his choice of goalkeeper. Odysseas Vlachomidos was given a go last weekend but didn’t exactly stake his claim to keep the spot. If the head coach plans to stick with Matt Turner as No.1 – at least for the time being – it might be that the American comes back in, with thoughts of the trip to Brentford in mind.

Gonzalo Montiel didn’t cover himself in glory for the two goals conceded last time out. But just as he had done against Manchester United, he set up fellow Argentine Nicolas Dominguez to get the hosts back in the game. The World Cup winner has shown what he can do under Nuno, although Neco Williams will push him hard for a place in the team.

Nuno’s centre-back options are limited at present due to injury and absences. The game with Blackpool was Joe Worrall’s first start since September, so perhaps a bit of rustiness was to be expected. His future remains uncertain, but it seems likely he will get another chance to catch the manager’s eye at Bloomfield Road.

Murillo has continued to be a mainstay of the team, despite the change in head coach. He still has plenty of learning to do but there is no doubt about his talent. Aside from the Brazilian and Worrall, Nuno’s only other defensive options are Andrew Omobamidele and Scott McKenna. The former is yet to make his debut in the Garibaldi and could leave on loan this month. McKenna is also likely to depart during the transfer window.

It remains to be seen whether Arsenal opt to recall Nuno Tavares from his loan spell this month, amid reports they might consider selling him. However, perhaps his cameo appearance against the Seasiders changes the situation. He made a difference from off the bench, so may feel he can still have a part to play under Nuno. Harry Toffolo has been a solid performer, though.