Nottingham Forest have lost three matches in a row in all competitions. Last week’s devastating 99th-minute defeat to Liverpool was a big blow to Nuno Espírito Santo’s side.
With only 11 games left in the Premier League campaign, the Reds are running out of time to find valuable wins in their fight for survival. Add to this the fact that Forest have begun their defence against the Premier League this week for breaking Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR), which will almost certainly result in a points deduction when the verdict from the hearing is made public in April.
The away game at Brighton provides an opportunity – for Forest to get their season back on track and pull clear of the relegation zone. The current gap to Luton Town in 18th is four points, and the two sides meet at Kenilworth Road next week. Here is Last Word on Football’s Nottingham Forest predicted lineup ahead of the match on March 10.
Nottingham Forest Predicted Lineup vs Brighton
Building up to Brighton 💪 pic.twitter.com/mIXdanqTy5
— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) March 9, 2024
How Nottingham Forest Have Lined Up Recently
Matz Sels made some notable saves in the 1-0 loss against Liverpool and will start again on Sunday. He will be looking to get his second clean sheet in a Forest shirt against Brighton.
Neco Williams was awarded Player of the Month for February by Forest. The former Liverpool right-back has been a consistent performer in recent weeks, solidifying his place in the starting 11 in the absence of Gonzalo Montiel, who has been sidelined with an injury.
Earlier this week, Felipe announced that he would be retiring from football at the end of the season. He was left out of the team against Liverpool, with Andrew Omobamidele coming in and impressing against a dangerous Liverpool attack. He is expected to start again at centre-back alongside the talented Murillo. Harry Toffolo will also retain his place at left-back.
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Ryan Yates and Nico Dominguez put in a tireless display against Jurgen Klopp’s side. Dominguez came off with a knock in the 79th minute and was replaced by Danilo. Yates has been a vital figure in away games for the Tricky Trees and looks set to play as one of the two midfielders in front of the defence. Forest’s record signing Ibrahim Sangaré was on the bench against Liverpool – and Nuno might be tempted to reinstate the Ivorian midfielder to the starting lineup for the first time since the away win against Newcastle on Boxing Day.
Divock Origi, Morgan Gibbs-White, and Callum Hudson-Odoi started in front of the two defensive midfielders against Liverpool. Origi has started the last two games on the right wing, providing an assist for Gibbs-White against Aston Villa. Anthony Elanga started as the striker in a 4-2-3-1 formation against Liverpool, but it is anticipated that Taiwo Awoniyi will return to the starting lineup against Brighton.
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Nottingham Forest’s Recent Form and Tactics
Forest’s recent positive performances have not been rewarded with results. Nuno’s side have lost four out of their last five games – three of these were by a one-goal margin.
Read More: Analysing The Impact of Nuno Espírito Santo at Nottingham Forest
Brighton boasts an impressive home record, with their last loss at the AMEX Stadium coming on September 21, 2023. Roberto De Zerbi’s team have struggled for form recently, losing their last three matches by an aggregate score of 8-0. This includes Thursday night’s 4-0 defeat to AS Roma in the UEFA Europa League.
The quick turnaround from the away match in Rome may help Forest, but Brighton sit 9th, only three points off a European spot – so they will be vying for the three points.
Forest fans will be wary that in the reverse fixture at the City Ground, Brighton won 3-2, which was their first win in eight Premier League matches. Last time out, Forest kick-started Seagulls’ season, so the question is: will they do it again?
Nottingham Forest Injuries to Consider
Nuno was defiant in his press conference on Friday, expressing the need to “move forward” in the wake of last week’s controversial defeat to Liverpool.
The Portuguese manager did provide a positive update on the fitness of the Nigerian striker. He said: “He is closer. Everybody knows what happened with Taiwo, he was out for a long time with injury and then started playing more than he should have due to the circumstances of the squad.
“He is improving. The decision of not starting him in the previous game, in the FA Cup, in mind as he played 90 minutes and had a short period of recovery. But he ended the game well on Saturday and is OK.”
Read More: Nottingham Forest Fixture Analysis: How Many Points Needed to Stay Up
Dominguez faces a race against time to be fit for Sunday’s match after his injury late in the game against Liverpool. Nuno said: “He has recovered well. He had a couple of days to recover and he seems well. We still have one more session to go, that’s when we will have a final update.”
Willy Boly, Chris Wood, and Ola Aina have returned to training this week, meaning they will likely be on the bench against Brighton, providing Nuno with vital extra options.
Forest are still without Nuno Tavares, who remains sidelined with a thigh injury.
Nottingham Forest Predicted Lineup
Formation: 4-2-3-1
GK: Matz Sels
RB: Neco Williams
CB: Andrew Omobamidele
CB: Murillo
LB: Harry Toffolo
CDM: Ryan Yates
CDM: Ibrahim Sangaré
RM: Anthony Elanga
CAM: Morgan Gibbs-White
LM: Callum Hudson-Odoi
ST: Taiwo Awoniyi
