In today’s Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Manchester United, we’ve examined a possible lineup that Nuno Espirito Santo may use.
Forest enters this match in high spirits after defeating Newcastle 3-1 at St. James’ Park on Boxing Day. That particular game, Chris Wood scored a hat-trick, demonstrating his exceptional skill as a striker.
That same day, United overcame a 2-0 deficit to upset Aston Villa 3-2. After that performance, they will likewise be full of confidence and arrive at the City Ground in good shape.
Nottingham Forest predicted team to play Manchester United
The Forest rearguard
Matt Turner has been in goal for both of Espirito Santo’s games in charge and he should keep his place here.
Defensively, the Reds were pretty sound against Newcastle and we think there will only be a single change.
That could come at left-back where Harry Toffolo should return to replace Ola Aina who gave the penalty away at Newcastle.
Gonzalo Montiel, Moussa Niakhate and Murillo are all finely poised to keep their places in the team.
The Forest engine room
Forest will be forced into one change in the middle of the park with Ibrahim Sangate suspended for the visit of Manchester United.
Ultimately, that opens the door for Orel Mangala to come back into the fold having been an unused sub at Newcastle.
The other place is a toss-up between Ryan Yates and Nicolas Dominguez.
Both players came on against the Magpies but we think Espirito Santo will use this game as a chance to get the Argentine back in the starting eleven.
Leading the Forest line
Chris Wood is clearly going to keep his place after a stunning hat-trick. Alan Shearer praised him afterwards and he’s a man in form.
Behind him, we expect the impressive Morgan Gibbs-White to occupy the number 10 role.
Either side, we can’t see any reason for Espirito Santo to consider making any changes.
Anthony Elanga and Callum Hudson-Odoi both did enough against Newcastle to warrant keeping their places.
Here is how the predicted Forest team could look against Manchester United:
