Nottingham Forest Starting XI vs Midtjylland: Confirmed Team News and Predicted Lineup | OneFootball

Nottingham Forest Predicted Lineup vs Midtjylland for Europa League Clash

Nottingham Forest return to European action this week with a sense of anticipation and a few complications. The City Ground hosts the first leg of their Europa League last 16 tie against FC Midtjylland, a fixture that arrives at an intriguing moment in Forest’s season.

While European progress has been one of the club’s ambitions, squad availability may shape the Nottingham Forest predicted lineup for Thursday night.

Injury List Influences Nottingham Forest Predicted Lineup

Forest could be without several players as they prepare for the match. Chris Wood, John Victor, Nicolo Savona and Willy Boly remain sidelined with knee injuries, reducing options across multiple areas of the squad.

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Another complication surrounds January signing Luca Netz, who cannot participate after being left out of Forest’s Europa League squad. Squad registration rules have therefore narrowed head coach Vitor Pereira’s choices ahead of the tie.

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Goalkeeper Stefan Ortega has also emerged as a doubt. The former Manchester City stopper missed Forest’s 2-2 Premier League draw at the Etihad due to a calf issue and his fitness remains uncertain heading into the European fixture.

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Defensive Setup Taking Shape

If Ortega is unavailable, Matz Sels is expected to start in goal. The Nottingham Forest predicted lineup in defence appears relatively settled despite the injury list.

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Ola Aina is likely to feature at right back, with Nikola Milenkovic and Murillo forming the central defensive pairing. Neco Williams could complete the back four on the left side.

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Jair Cunha remains another defensive option but may begin the match on the bench depending on Pereira’s final tactical decision.

Attacking Options for Europa League Test

Further forward, Elliot Anderson’s recent performance has strengthened his claim for a starting role. The midfielder scored a second half equaliser in the draw against Manchester City and is expected to continue in central midfield.

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He could be partnered by Ibrahim Sangare or Ryan Yates depending on the balance Pereira wants in the Nottingham Forest predicted lineup.

Forest’s attacking structure may feature width if the manager opts for a formation with wingers. Callum Hudson Odoi, Omari Hutchinson and Dan N’doye are all contenders to start in wide roles.

Morgan Gibbs White is expected to operate centrally behind the striker regardless of the final shape.

Up front, Igor Jesus is likely to lead the line. The forward is the Europa League’s joint top scorer this season with seven goals, providing Forest with a reliable attacking focal point.

Competition for that role remains strong, though, with Lorenzo Lucca and Taiwo Awoniyi also pushing for selection.

Nottingham Forest predicted XI:Ortega, Aina, Milenkovic, Murillo, Williams, Sangare, Anderson, Hutchinson, Gibbs White, Hudson Odoi, Jesus.

The predicted lineup reflects both Forest’s attacking ambition and the practical realities created by injuries. A strong first leg performance could place the club in a promising position ahead of the return fixture.