Nottingham Forest XI vs FC Midtjylland – Predicted lineup and team news

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·19 Maret 2026

Nottingham Forest XI vs FC Midtjylland – Predicted lineup and team news

Nottingham Forest meet FC Midtjylland tonight, aiming to secure a historic comeback and reach the quarter-finals of a major European competition for the first time in 30 years.

The Tricky Trees have moved into a “must-win” scenario following a 1–0 first-leg loss at the City Ground. Manager Vítor Pereira oversaw a frustrated display in the first leg, where his side failed to score from 22 attempts, and now faces a Midtjylland side that has already beaten them twice this season. Forest are visiting Denmark for the first time in their history and will look to their impressive recent away scoring record to turn the tie around.

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Nottingham Forest team news

Vítor Pereira manages a squad decimated by a severe injury crisis, particularly in the defensive and forward lines.

In a positive note, Stefan Ortega has been added to the UEFA squad list in place of the injured John Victor and is available for selection in goal.

Notably, Chris Wood, Willy Boly, Nicolò Savona, and Jair Cunha are all definitely ruled out. Consequently, the goalscoring burden falls heavily on Igor Jesus, who has been prolific on the road with four Europa League away goals this term.

Notably, Ibrahim Sangaré and Nikola Milenković are expected to return to the starting XI after being utilised as substitutes in the first leg. Morgan Gibbs-White will operate in the number 10 role; he and Jesus have combined for 40% of the club’s goals across all tournaments this season.

Matz Sels will likely start in goal behind a defensive line anchored by Murillo and the returning Milenković. In midfield, Sangaré will partner Elliot Anderson to provide the physical presence needed to disrupt Midtjylland’s pragmatic counter-attacks. Ola Aina and Neco Williams are poised to start at full-back, with Callum Hudson-Odoi and Omari Hutchinson providing the creative width.

Interestingly, Forest have scored 21% of their goals in the opening 15 minutes of matches this season, but they must maintain focus for the full 90 after conceding late winners in both previous meetings with the “Wolves”.