Latest Nottingham Forest news as Nuno Espirito Santo’s Reds prepare to face Aston Villa at Villa Park on Saturday.
Nuno Espirito Santo faces a difficult decision when selecting his Nottingham Forest team to face Aston Villa on Saturday (3pm kick-off).
Should the Portuguese stick or twist? Does he change the winning team or stick with the same lineup from last weekend’s 2-0 victory over West Ham United?
It is not an easy decision to make. A lot of players distinguished out in the Reds’ triumph over the Hammers at the City Ground, but it was also a fantastic collective performance as they secured three points for the first time in 2024.
Nuno was without Africa Cup of Nations finalists Ola Aina, Willy Boly, and Ibrahim Sangare last time out because they had only arrived from the tournament two days earlier. Given how their colleagues fared against David Moyes’ side, the trio may have to compete for a place in the starting lineup again.
Forest face a tough test at Villa Park, but they will travel to the West Midlands with high spirits and plenty of positives to build on following a much-needed and well-deserved victory. Here’s how we think the Reds will line up against Villa.
Matz Sels
Matz Sels’ signing on deadline day is difficult to assess. The goalkeeper had little to do against West Ham, but keeping a clean sheet for the first time in the league since November was a huge confidence boost for Forest.
Neco Williams
Neco Williams was left hobbling after being caught by Maxwel Cornet in the second half on Saturday, despite the fact that no penalty was awarded. The Reds will hope the Welshman recovers, as he was outstanding at the City Ground.
Felipe
Boly’s return gives Nuno another option in central defence, and the 33-year-old will almost certainly play a role between now and the conclusion of the season. But, presuming Felipe’s knees are up to the task, Nuno may decide to persist with the Brazilian duo at centre-back, which worked so effectively against the Hammers.
Murillo demonstrated exceptional defensive and offensive abilities in his previous game. The 21-year-old had Michail Antonio in his pocket all day and appeared to have a nice rapport with countryman Felipe.
Antonio Elanga
Anthony Elanga had a rare off-day in front of the net against the Hammers. He received an assist but could have added to his season total of five goals if he had taken use of his opportunities. The 21-year-old will undoubtedly be eager to make up for his missed opportunities at Villa Park.
Murillo
Murillo was excellent last time out, both defensively and with the ball at his feet. The 21-year-old had Michail Antonio in his pocket all day and appeared to have a nice rapport with countryman Felipe.
Nuno Tavares named Aina to the AFCON team after impressive performances in the Garibaldi Cup earlier in the campaign. His flexibility to play on the right or left is really beneficial, although he may have to wait for his turn. Nuno Tavares delivered perhaps his best effort for the club in Saturday’s triumph.
Nicolas Dominguez
Nicolas Dominguez’s work ethic was crucial to the Reds’ triumph over West Ham. Likewise, he assisted on the opening goal. A graphic posted by Forest on social media demonstrated how vital the Argentine was to Nuno’s team, with the midfielder said to have made six tackles and a 94 percent pass accuracy.
Danilo
The combination of Dominguez and Danilo in the middle of the pitch offered an excellent balance. Sangare may have to settle for a bench spot at Villa Park, as Nuno is likely to go with the same lineup as the previous game.
Morgan Gibbs-White
The hosts delivered an excellent attacking effort at the City Ground, with Morgan Gibbs-White playing a significant role. The three of Elanga, Gibbs-White, and Callum Hudson-Odoi can cause issues for any squad. Gio Reyna, who signed in January, may need to be patient while waiting for his first start.
Callum Hudson-Odoi
Three goals in three Premier League matches. Can Hudson-Odoi go four for four? He is undoubtedly full of faith and confidence at the moment.
Taiwo Awoniyi
At the weekend, Taiwo Awoniyi was substituted in the 67th minute after appearing to sustain a knock. Nuno stated that he would need to be assessed, but the striker himself stated that he was “fine.” When he plays, the Reds look like a different squad, and he scored his sixth goal of the season with a wonderful turn and finish.
