Nottingham Forest-FC Porto: rotation and management on both sides | OneFootball

FC Porto have, this Thursday, the chance to return to a European semi-final, something that has not happened for fifteen years. To do so, they will have to achieve something they have never managed in England: beat Nottingham Forest, coached by Vítor Pereira. In their third meeting with the City Ground side, after a defeat and a draw, Francesco Farioli's team will only go through if they win, even if the outcome is decided on penalties.

Farioli: “We are working at a level that allows us to be ambitious”

It is an excellent opportunity for the club to move closer to a European final, but the coach is expected to stick with the rotation he has been using in this competition. As such, another major reshuffle in the starting eleven is likely, with the return of players such as Pablo Rosario, Thiago Silva, Seko Fofana and Terem Moffi to the first-choice options. Farioli’s priority remains the league and, on Sunday, the Dragão side host Tondela, followed immediately by the match against Sporting in the second leg of the Portuguese Cup semi-final.

The main doubt is on the right side of defence. Without Martim Fernandes, the Italian coach may hand the position to Pablo Rosario, who has already played there, or alternatively keep Alberto Costa in the starting line-up. In attack, Moffi could get another opportunity, although Deniz Gül may also keep the starting spot he earned in Estoril.

Vítor Pereira: “FC Porto? The approach remains the same, but we have not given up on the Europa League”

On the other side, the approach is also expected to focus on squad management. Nottingham Forest are still fighting to stay in the Premier League and Vítor Pereira will rest some players, already with Sunday’s home game against Burnley in mind.

Midfielder Elliot Anderson, as Vítor Pereira mentioned in his pre-match press conference, is a doubt for tonight’s game after missing the last training session for personal reasons.

As already mentioned, this will be the third meeting between the two teams this season. Before the draw at the Dragão (1-1), Nottingham Forest had already beaten FC Porto (2-0), still in the league phase, with two successfully converted penalties, a result that marked Farioli’s first defeat of the season.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.