Nuno Espirito Santo must make a critical decision on his starting lineup for tonight’s crucial Premier League match against Liverpool.
The Reds are hoping to complete the double over their opponents, having won 1-0 at Anfield in September. Nuno had a very clear gameplan that day, and he must decide whether to follow a similar path this time.
His squad is on a seven-match winning streak in all competitions. They are also just six points behind their table-topping opponents and might close the margin to three with a win.
Nuno made 11 changes for Saturday’s 2-0 FA Cup triumph over Luton Town and it would be no surprise if he did the same again this evening. A few of his big-hitters did not even make the match team over the weekend while others either remained on the bench or made cameo appearances.
When Forest faced Liverpool on Merseyside earlier in the campaign, Nuno packed his midfield with the aim of keeping it tight for a chunk of the match. He then introduced attacking threat from the bench around the hour mark, with the result that substitutes Anthony Elanga and Callum Hudson-Odoi combined for the latter to score the only goal of the game.
When asked about his game plan this time around, the Portuguese joked in his pre-match press conference, “I don’t know. “I still need to work on it.”
Nuno admits that both teams are different now than they were a few months ago. He stated of his own team: “We are better now; we do things better and have better control over the game’s momentum.
“You can’t take away what the players have done, which is why I believe we’re moving forward and developing. I hope it continues since I really believe in the habits, routines, and knowledge. The bond is about information and understanding how a colleague accomplishes things so you can aid him and work together. That’s becoming stronger.
There is a case to be made that the Reds should field a similar lineup to that of their previous league game, a 3-0 victory against Wolverhampton Wanderers. In contrast to the Anfield game, Elanga and Hudson-Odoi would start on the flanks, either side of Morgan Gibbs-White.
Nuno’s most important decision is likely his midfield combination. The last two league games have been started by Nicolas Dominguez and Elliot Anderson, but Ryan Yates could be a viable option on this occasion. The skipper scored against the Hatters and may be counted on to dominate the opponents if given the start this evening.
However, Nuno has clarified that Danilo would not be included. The Brazilian midfielder returned from a broken ankle in the last minutes of the cup clash, but Forest remain cautious with him.
“He was very good. He had a good ten minutes. Nuno stated, “Now it is time to work.” “He is not going to participate in the game.” He is sad, but it shows that he wants to be involved, but he needs to improve his fitness levels.”
If Nuno wants to change things up, he can always play with a back three against the league leaders. Morato has performed admirably in every game he has appeared in, including his inclusion in the XI at the weekend, and he will be hoping to add to his two league starts shortly.
Forest’s anticipated XI is Sels; Aina, Milenkovic, Murillo, Williams; Anderson, Dominguez; Elanga, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi; Wood.
