Nottingham Forest Predicted Lineup vs Leicester City

Nottingham Forest’s whirlwind 2024/25 campaign continues with a home clash against local rivals Leicester City, a game which could push them back into a Champions League place. The Tricky Trees currently sit two points behind fifth-placed Chelsea, and will be hoping Ruud van Nistelrooy’s relegated Foxes offer little resistance as they look to keep their European dream alive. It is nothing short of a must-win game for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side, as Aston Villa have now closed the gap on sixth place to just one point, putting Forest in a rather uncomfortable position with just three games to go. Here is our Nottingham Forest predicted lineup versus Leicester City.

Nottingham Forest Lineup for East Midlands Derby vs Leicester City on May 11

How Forest Have Lined Up Recently

Following three difficult defeats in a row, Forest produced a far better performance against Crystal Palace last time out, but only managed to come away with a draw. Despite conceding a penalty against the Eagles, goalkeeper Matz Sels has had an outstanding season, demonstrating remarkable consistency and calmness between the sticks.

Nikola Milenkovic and Murillo continue to be Nuno’s preferred centre-halves, although the latter was forced off with an injury at Selhurst Park. The 22-year-old has been crucial to Forest’s success this season and would be a huge loss if unavailable for their final three games.

The impressive Ola Aina started at right-back, completing all 90 minutes for the first time since returning from injury. At left-back, Neco Williams continues to be first choice, and the Welshman was one of eight Forest players to be booked in the fiery contest.

Ibrahim Sangare was given a rare start in defensive midfield, his first since August, as an injury-hit season has left the Ivorian a peripheral figure in Nuno’s squad. His partner, 22-year-old Elliot Anderson, has now started the Tricky Trees’ last 20 matches and has been nothing short of a revelation since his summer move from Newcastle.

In the absence of Callum Hudson-Odoi, midfielder Nicolas Dominguez was utilised out wide, with more natural attackers Jota Silva and Ramon Sosa both restricted to the bench. The dangerous Anthony Elanga was shifted out to the left flank with Dominguez on the right, allowing the Swedish international to cut on to his stronger right side.

England international Morgan Gibbs-White, who wore the captain’s armband in place of Ryan Yates, continues to be the first name on the team sheet as Forest look to secure European football. Chris Wood remains the undisputed first-choice striker at the City Ground with 19 league goals this term, and will be desperate to hit the 20-goal mark against the Foxes.

Nottingham Forest Recent Form and Tactics

Nottingham Forest have won just one of their last five games and will be hoping to get their mojo back against a very poor Leicester side. Goals have been in short supply for the Reds in recent weeks, with them managing just three in their last five matches, so a home clash against a side who have conceded 76 goals in 35 games looks like a priceless opportunity to rediscover their shooting boots.

The Tricky Trees have now conceded first in four of their last five league matches, a worrying trend for a side that focuses primarily on keeping a solid defence and utilising counter-attacks to score. Nuno’s side have won just once this season after conceding first, as the Portuguese manager’s focus on pragmatism has left them unable to push players up the pitch and launch effective comebacks when going behind.

Nottingham Forest Injuries to Consider

Winger Callum Hudson-Odoi has been ruled out of the Leicester game with a thigh injury, but Nuno was hopeful that the 25-year-old will feature again this season.

Defensive stalwart Murillo is suffering from the thigh issue which forced him off at Selhurst Park last time out, and is facing a late fitness test prior to the game. The Brazilian is crucial to the Tricky Trees and will be very hard to replace if unavailable.