When Nottingham Forest plays Manchester United at the City Ground tomorrow night, they’ll be aiming to advance to the FA Cup quarterfinals.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s team is hoping to get back to winning ways after suffering a 4-2 loss away at Aston Villa going into this match.
Erik ten Hag’s team, meanwhile, will be hoping to cap off a dismal season with some hardware. The FA Cup is the team’s sole realistic opportunity to take home a trophy at the end of the 2023–2024 season.
The Red Devils enter the match having suffered a 2-1 loss to Fulham at home on Saturday afternoon, with a late goal from Alex Iwobi condemning United to their first league loss of 2024.
When the teams last played at the end of December, the Reds prevailed 2-1, taking all three points thanks to goals from Nicolas Dominguez and Morgan Gibbs-White.
Both teams have had inconsistent results since the match, with Ten Hag’s team finally beginning to play consistently. But, anything can happen in the FA Cup thanks to its magical qualities.
Both Felipe and striker Taiwo Awoniyi were changed at halftime on Saturday, with the Nigerian and the £80k-per-week center-back expected to miss the match against United.
With that in mind, here’s a look at the potential Forest starting XI that will take on Manchester United…
Matz Sels
Since joining the Reds in the January transfer window, goalkeeper Matz Sels has started every Premier League game and has had a strong debut in Nottingham.
Though he was not there for the FA Cup fourth-round replay against Bristol City, he will start in goal again ahead of Matt Turner and Odysseas Vlachodimos.
Neco Williams
Neco Williams is a player who has undoubtedly benefited from regular playing time in recent weeks.
The right-back, who has started the last five Premier League games under Nuno, has made the most tackles of any Forest player this season. The Welshman has impressed with his ability to motor down the right-hand side, a quality the Reds boss likes in his full-backs.
Murillo
The 21-year-old Brazilian was replaced by Nuno at halftime after putting on one of the worst performances of his Forest career last weekend away to Aston Villa.
Even so, he’s still young and will inevitably have a bad game. On Wednesday night against United, the former Corinthians player will have plenty of opportunity to improve.
Moussa Niakhate
Nuno chose to start the Senegalese defender out of position at left-back, thus the defender had a difficult first 45 minutes at Villa Park, much like Murillo.
Alongside Murillo, he is a good fit for the middle of the Reds’ defensive, as they established a strong rapport early in the year. This season, his long throws have caused opposing teams a great deal of trouble. He can throw the ball inside the 18-yard box, which puts any team at risk.
Harry Toffolo
Nuno Tavares’ injury is expected to keep him out of action for the next month, therefore Harry Toffolo will likely start at left back for the Reds.
The 28-year-old former Huddersfield Town player replaced Murillo at halftime against Unai Emery’s team, and the left side of Nuno’s defence looked lot stronger as a result.
Nicolas Dominguez
Nicolas Dominguez, who scored against the Red Devils the previous game, will be hoping to cause more damage versus United.
The Argentinean has had a spectacular debut for Nottingham, scoring three goals in 20 games while making an impression on the team with his ball-winning and pressing skills.
Danilo
Danilo and Dominguez have frequently been the backbone of Forest’s midfield since Orel Mangala left to join Lyon and Ibrahim Sangare was absent for the African Cup of Nations.
The Brazilian’s relationship with Dominguez has given the Reds’ midfield fresh vitality, even though he hasn’t performed to the same extent as last season.
Morgan Gibbs-White
Under Nuno, the offensive midfield player has been amazing; his play has seemed to get better all around since the beginning of the season.
He scored in the previous match at the City Ground, as was previously reported, and the 24-year-old may be the key to yet another historic FA Cup victory at the City Ground.
Callum Hudson-Odoi
Callum Hudson-Odoi has been playing well lately, scoring three goals in his previous three Premier League games, including victories over Newcastle United and Bournemouth.
The former Chelsea winger, who is beginning to show signs of his former self, may cause the United defenders endless problems at the City Ground with his quickness and straight dribbling.
Anthony Elanga
Anthony Elanga is a footballer trying to gain the upper hand over his previous employers. The Sweden international, who is now in the best form of his life, signed a £15 million agreement to join the Reds during the summer transfer window.
With his quickness and goal-scoring ability improving every week, Elanga has already contributed five goals and seven assists for the Reds. He may be a bargain and a guy United regrets trading.
Divock Origi
Since joining on loan from AC Milan, the Belgian has had difficulty securing a spot in the starting lineup; the Reds are presently covering the entirety of the striker’s £125,000 weekly salary.
After coming in at halftime, he assisted Gibbs-White’s goal against Aston Villa to record his first Premier League goal contribution for Nuno’s team.
Premier League attacker Taiwo Awoniyi left the game versus Villa at halftime; it’s unknown if he was having trouble with an injury. Considering everything, following his appearance off the bench the previous weekend, he merits the opportunity to start right away.
