Nottingham Forest enter the FA Cup this afternoon when they face Blackpool and we’ve looked at a predicted XI.
The Reds will return to the scene of one of their best wins last season. Steve Cooper’s team thrashed the Tangerines 4-1 in April to send a message to the Championship.
On that occasion, Forest were in full flight up the second tier. This season, things are slightly different and there could be some changes to the team today.
Ahead of today’s Bloomfield Road date, we’ve looked at the Nottingham Forest XI that could turn out later on.
Predicted Nottingham Forest XI v Blackpool
The Forest rearguard
Dean Henderson could still get the nod to start in goal today, with Wayne Hennessey very likely to play in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night.
There could be changes aplenty elsewhere though, with three of the back four set to change.
Serge Aurier and Renan Lodi will perhaps earn a rest, with Neco Williams and Harry Toffolo to come in for them.
Joe Worrall will bring up 200 appearances if he plays today and he should captain the side against Blackpool.
Alongside him, expect Scott McKenna to get a run-out against Blackpool.
The Forest engine room
Right now, the Reds aren’t blessed with too many options in midfield, with Cheikhou Kouyate still nursing an injury.
Lewis O’Brien wasn’t even in the squad at Southampton but he could come in today, with Cooper set to shuffle the pack.
Remo Freuler could be in line for a rest so Ryan Yates could partner the ex-Huddersfield man as he looks at a 4-2-3-1 system.
Leading the Forest line
This could be the time for Cooper to unleash Gustavo Scarpa and he could start on the left-hand side.
On the right, Brennan Johnson ran Blackpool ragged last season and he should start here.
In the number 10 role, it looks likely that Morgan Gibbs-White will get another start as he works his way to full fitness.
Through the middle, Taiwo Awoniyi could get a rest after picking up a knock on Wednesday night.
That could allow Sam Surridge the opportunity to start and he will be hoping to star if gets a rare chance.
Predicted Nottingham Forest XI v Blackpool:
