Nottingham Forest get their domestic campaign back underway tonight when they face Blackburn in the Carabao Cup. All eyes will be on Ewood Park as the Reds go in search of a place in the quarter-final of the competition with a victory.
In the previous round, the Reds defeated Tottenham. Goals from Renan Lodi and Jesse Lingard set up tonight’s clash and they will want to put on a show tonight.
Close to 7000 supporters will make the trip from Nottingham. It’s six weeks since the Reds were last in action and the fan base are keen as anything to see their team once again.
Ahead of tonight’s game, we looked at how the Reds could line up in the North-West this evening.
Nottingham Forest predicted XI to play Blackburn:
The Forest rearguard
Wayne Hennessey has played in the previous two rounds of the Carabao Cup but we think Dean Henderson might get the nod tonight.
The on-loan Manchester United stopper will be ineligible against his parent club next time out so he could get some minutes tonight instead.
At the back., Serge Aurier could be rested after collecting a slight knock, so Neco Williams could come into the fray from the off.
At left-back, Renan Lodi scored the Goal of the Round against Tottenham and he should start the game against Blackburn.
When it comes to centre-back, we believe Scott McKenna and Joe Worrall both have what it takes to keep Blackburn at bay this evening.
The Forest engine room
Cheikhou Kouyate won’t be in action tonight after injuring his hamstring playing for Senegal at the World Cup.
That could see Ryan Yates move over to play as the central player of a three-pronged midfield.
Alongside him, Remo Freuler could be saved for the trip to Manchester United. As a result, Lewis O’Brien and Orel Mangala could get the opportunity to impress Cooper.
Leading the Forest line
It will definitely be interesting to see who plays in attack tonight.
We think Jesse Lingard will start after scoring in the previous round, with Brennan Johnson likely to operate down the opposite side.
As the outlet up top, Taiwo Awoniyi scored against Valencia in Forest’s final friendly so we think he might get the bod.
Expect Emmanuel Dennis and Sam Surridge to start on the bench tonight.
Here is how we think Forest could line up against Blackburn:
Receive a digest of our best Nottingham Forest content each week direct to your mailbox
