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Nottingham Forest predicted XI: Cooper makes eight changes, World Cup hopeful starts

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Nottingham Forest take on Tottenham in the Carabao Cup this evening looking to build some momentum and we’ve had a go at predicting the starting XI.

The Reds lost to Spurs earlier in the season and Steve Cooper will hope for retribution this evening.

Forest drew 2-2 with Brentford at the weekend, with Tottenham losing 2-1 to Liverpool on home soil.

Ahead of tonight’s clash, we looked at how Forest could line up against Antonio Conte’s team tonight.

Predicted Nottingham Forest XI to play Tottenham

The Forest rearguard

Dean Henderson saved a penalty against Tottenham in August but Wayne Hennessey looks set for a start tonight.

Hennessey Wales hero
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images

Elsewhere there could be more changes across the back four.

Neco Williams could switch to right-back, with Renan Lodi coming in at left-back.

Both central defenders could earn a rest and that could mean game time for Willy Boly and Joe Worrall this evening.

The midfield trio

Both Lewis O’Brien and Orel Mangala are champing at the bit to play for the Reds.

Both players have been injured and have been forced to wait patiently for an opportunity to impress.

In Mangala’s case it could be one final chance for him to impress Roberto Martinez ahead of him naming his World Cup squad.

They should both play tonight at the expense of Cheikhou Kouyate and Remo Freuler.

Elsewhere, Ryan Yates should get the nod to continue, with his energy likely to be a useful attribute against Tottenham.

Leading the Forest line

Again, this could be a chance for Cooper to bring some other players into the fold.

Emmanuel Dennis did pretty well against Brentford and he could get the nod, whilst Jesse Lingard could also start.

predicted Nottingham Forest XI
Photo by James Williamson – AMA/Getty Images

Through the middle, it could be a chance for Sam Surridge.

His brace in the last round against Grimsby Town might have done enough to convince Cooper to give him another chance here.

Here is how the Forest team could look this evening: