Nottingham Forest’s long international break ended last night, as Crystal Palace arrived on Trentside.
Forest drew 1-1 with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge last time out, and the team has eight points out of a possible twelve away from home.
Forest’s home form needs to improve, and tonight’s game against a Palace squad that has yet to win this season provides an opportunity to do so.
Evangelos Marinakis interviewed Oliver Glasner prior to Nuno Espirito Santo’s appointment, and he is determined to win tonight.
Forest, on the other hand, are looking for their first home win and will be hoping that fans leave satisfied this evening.
Ahead of tonight’s encounter, we examined how Espirito Santo would line up the Reds beneath the City Ground lights.
Nottingham Forest expected XI against Crystal Palace.
Nottingham Forest’s rearguard
Matz Sels will recover from a slight injury that held him out of Belgium duty and should start in goal tonight.
This season, the Forest back four has pretty much picked itself, and that is unlikely to change tonight.
Nikola Milenkovic and Murillo are forming an excellent relationship at centre-back, while Ola Aina and Alex Moreno will play full-back.
The Forest Engine Room
If the team picks itself defensively, the midfield ranks are severely understaffed for tonight’s game.
James Ward-Prowse was sent off against Chelsea and will miss the game due to suspension.
Danilo is making good progress, but he will not be able to return until around the New Year, as will Ibrahim Sangare.
Ryan Yates was praised by Kevin Nolan this week, and he will undoubtedly start in midfield.
Alongside him, Forest may attempt to harness the enthusiasm of Elliot Anderson in a more traditional midfield role.
Leading the Forest Line.
Chris Wood scored his fourth goal for Forest against Chelsea, and Ally McCoist complimented him afterwards. He will almost definitely start as a striker tonight.
Behind him, Espirito Santo will face a forced transformation.
Morgan Gibbs-White has been suspended for another match, and he would have been injured anyhow.
Jota Silva has been pounding on the door, and perhaps tonight is the night he should be given a chance in the number 10 place.
Callum Hudson-Odoi and Anthony Elanga should be given the opportunity to start the game right away.
Carlos Miguel, Forest’s backup goalkeeper, is preparing for his Premier League debut.
Morato will most likely be on the bench again, having come on in previous weeks to assist Forest maintain their strong record.
In terms of full-backs, Neco Williams and Harry Toffolo will compete for bench spots.
Nicolas Dominguez will be the sole central midfielder on the bench.
However, there should still be options in attack, with Ramon Sosa and Taiwo Awoniyi poised to cover the forward spots.
