Nuno Espirito Santo admitted in his press conference for Forest’s trip to Kenilworth Road that Saturday’s match is a “final for both teams.”
Forest have lost their last four matches in all competitions and sit only four points above Luton Town, who occupy the last relegation spot in the Premier League. The verdict from the Reds’ Profitability and Sustainability (PSR) hearing will be announced on Monday, according to Paul Taylor of The Athletic, so Forest will be desperate to extend the current gap to the Hatters.
The Tricky Trees will have to turn around their recent head-to-head record against their opponents, whom they have not beaten in the last five matches. Here is Last Word on Football’s Nottingham Forest predicted lineup for the March 16 clash.
Nottingham Forest Predicted Lineup vs Luton
Working towards the weekend 💪
Go inside training as The Reds prepare for #LUTNFO 📺
— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) March 15, 2024
How Nottingham Forest Have Lined Up Recently
Matz Sels continues to start in goal for Nuno’s side, but the Belgium keeper has conceded 10 goals in his six matches for the club.
Neco Williams picked up the Player of the Month award for February by Forest and will retain his spot at right-back. On the other side of the defence has been Harry Toffolo in recent weeks, who has filled in for the injured Nuno Tavares.
Murillo will keep his place at centre-back, however, all eyes will be on the selection of his partner. Andrew Omobamidele scored an own goal in the defeat to Brighton last week but has been a solid performer when he has been called upon. Nuno might be tempted to select Willy Boly, who recently returned to fitness and will provide the extra height needed to deal with Luton’s aerial threat.
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Ryan Yates and Nico Dominguez started again at the AMEX Stadium, with Ibrahim Sangaré remaining on the bench. The Ivorian midfielder is Forest’s record signing but has only recently returned from an injury sustained at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Danilo started alongside Yates and Dominguez against Brighton, with Morgan Gibbs-White and Divock Origi occupying the wide areas. Anthony Elanga and Callum Hudson-Odoi were on the bench, surprising pundits and fans alike. They will be eager to return to the starting lineup. Forest’s top scorer, Chris Wood, led the line against the Seagulls, and it is unclear whether Nuno will opt for the New Zealand striker or Taiwo Awoniyi in the clash against the Hatters.
Nottingham Forest’s Recent Form and Tactics
The defeat to Brighton saw a significant drop in performance levels from Forest. They are now without a goal in three consecutive games, losing each one 1-0. While the defensive numbers have improved in these matches, Forest’s attacking prowess in the first few weeks under Nuno has deteriorated.
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Nuno will point to the tough run of fixtures where the Reds have played six teams in a row who all sit in the top half of the Premier League table. Under the Portuguese manager, Forest have only played two games against teams in the bottom half. Nuno’s side lost both these matches 3-2 to Brentford and Bournemouth.
The threat of Luton’s set pieces is a big talking point in this match. Twelve of Luton’s 41 league goals this season have come from set-piece situations. Only Arsenal, Everton, and Aston Villa have scored more from these scenarios. Meanwhile, Forest have conceded 17 goals from set-pieces this season, which is the most in the league. Rob Edwards’ side will be targeting this glaring weakness, meaning the selection of an aerially dominant centre-back like Boly would make sense in this match.
Nottingham Forest Injuries to Consider
There are four main injury absentees for the Tricky Trees. Gio Reyna has missed the last two games, although he has returned to training this week. Gonzalo Montiel returned to the bench against Aston Villa after a hamstring injury that left him out of the side for two weeks. However, the Argentinian has suffered a setback and is unlikely to be involved on Saturday.
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Nuno Tavares remains sidelined with a thigh injury, and it is unclear when he will return while Ola Aina has returned to training but has not been part of the squad since returning from the Africa Cup of Nations final on February 11.
Nottingham Forest Predicted Lineup
Formation: 4-2-3-1
GK: Matz Sels
RB: Neco Williams
CB: Willy Boly
CB: Murillo
LB: Harry Toffolo
CDM: Nico Dominguez
CDM: Ryan Yates
RM: Anthony Elanga
CAM: Morgan Gibbs-White
LM: Callum Hudson-Odoi
ST: Taiwo Awoniyi
