Montiel, Niakhate, and Danilo are Nottingham Forest’s projected starting lineup for the pivotal matchup with Sheffield United.

The most recent information about Nottingham Forest as Nuno Espirito Santo’s team gets ready to play the Blades at Bramall Lane

Save this page Comments Sports by Sarah ClapsonCorrespondent for Nottingham Forest 12:03, May 2, 2024

Nuno Espirito Santo, head coach of Nottingham Forest (Photo courtesy of Getty)

Nuno Espirito Santo, the head coach, must make some important selections for Nottingham Forest’s crucial match against Sheffield United on Saturday.

As the Reds approach their final three games of the season, it will either be make-or-break time for their survival aspirations. At the moment, they are a precarious 17th, one point above the bottom three.

Depending on how the club’s appeal hearing over their four-point deduction for breaking financial rules turns out, things might change. However, Nuno and his team members are aware that they must contribute on the field.

Forest’s strong showing in last Sunday’s 2-0 loss to defending champion Manchester City should give them hope. Nuno must decide whether to remain with the same lineup from that match or go back to his typical approach.

Instead of starting with his more usual four-man back line against City, the Portuguese chose to play with a three-man defense. He has to determine if the same setup would be effective against the Blades, who have already been demoted.

Neco Williams, Willy Boly, and Murillo were all forced out of last weekend’s game, so the Reds are concerned about a few injuries going into this one. Here’s our prediction for Forest’s lineup at Bramall Lane.

In what formation should Forest face the Blades? Comment below with your thoughts.

Matz SelsMatz Sels, the goalkeeper, was not as busy against the title-challengers as many may have anticipated, but he still made several good saves last weekend. The Reds’ opportunities were limited by the good work of those in front of him, and they will need to be just as strong on Saturday.

(Photo courtesy of Getty)

Gonzalo MontielWilliams’ situation did not appear favorable when he was substituted at the City Ground after 35 minutes. If Nuno is indeed out of this weekend’s match, he finds himself in a bit of a pickle. Gonzalo Montiel took Williams’ place against City, although his performance on loan has been inconsistent. Ola Aina might shift to the right side in place of the Argentine, and a substitution could be made on the left.

(Photo courtesy of Getty Images/AMA/Robbie Jay Barratt]

Willy BolyWith Boly returning from injury, Forest will be hoping desperately that he is fit as his presence will be crucial in their relegation fight. The seasoned center defender is an important member of the team and contributed last weekend. The fact that he was observed during training this week should be encouraging.

(Photo courtesy of Getty)

Murillo

Similar to Boly, Murillo has been spotted practicing ahead of Saturday’s match. After making an excellent tackle against City, he appeared to adjust something. One could argue that he ought to have left the game earlier because Erling Haaland’s second goal for the visitors may have been made possible by his struggles.

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