Chema Rodriguez returns: Predicted Nottingham Forest line up to face Derby County

Add as preferred source on Google

Nottingham Forest will renew their rivalry with Derby County on Saturday afternoon looking to get back to winning ways on home soil.

The Reds defeated Luton at Kenilworth Road on Saturday but did lose their last home outing against Hull City.

__VIDEO__

Boss Sabri Lamouchi has already adhered himself to the Forest faithful with a win over the Rams in the Carabao Cup and he will hope to claim the bragging rights once more this weekend.

Ahead of the contest, we looked at who could be in line to start for the Reds when Derby roll into town this weekend:

Goalkeeper and back four

Brice Samba will definitely start in goal, with Matty Cash nailed on for a place at right-back.

Joe Worrall has played every minute of every Championship fixture this season and should also get the nod once more.

Chema Rodriguez sat out the game at Luton but the £1 million (Bein Sports) enforcer should return at the expense of Tobias Figueiredo.

At left-back, Yuri Ribeiro was excellent against Luton and should continue ahead of Jack Robinson.

In midfield

Ben Watson has been a standout performer for the Reds this weekend and looks set to captain the side in the absence of Michael Dawson.

Alongside him, Ryan Yates looked in great shape in last weekend’s win and he could be a real asset as Forest look to thwart a diamond which is likely to be deployed by Derby.

Alfa Semedo has returned to training, although the game could come too soon for the uncompromising midfielder.

In attack

Lewis Grabban will almost certainly start in attack for Forest. The six-goal striker was desperately impressive in last week’s victory and will back himself to add to his tally against the Rams.

On the right flank Joe Lolley has struck up a solid partnership with Matty Cash and he should continue.

Sammy Ameobi scored last week so he will probably occupy the left-hand side.

The only real decision for Lamouchi is who plays in the hole behind Grabban. Tiago Silva started on Saturday and although Joao Carvalho will run him close for a place in the team, the 26-year-old will probably get the nod again.

Here is how Lamouchi’s team could look on Saturday: