Nottingham Forest can be proud of their efforts at the Emirates last weekend, as they fell to a narrow 2-1 defeat to Arsenal.
The Reds could’ve even come away with a draw had Brennan Johnson finished an early chance after he broke through one-on-one with Aaron Ramsdale.
Steve Cooper set up his side in a 5-2-2-1 formation, with new signings Matt Turner and Ola Aina starting in goal and a left wing-back respectively.
However, it was the substitutes that combined for the Reds’ goal as Anthony Elanga and Taiwo Awoniyi combined to cause a nervy finish for the Gunners.
Predicted Nottingham Forest XI to face Sheffield United
Defence
We think that with Forest playing at home against a Sheffield United side who will be battling relegation, Cooper will revert to a back four which we saw more commonly used towards the back end of last season.
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Turner will continue in goal, looking to build confidence on his impressive debut against his former side last week.
Right-back Serge Aurier had a poor performance against Arsenal by his usual high standards, but he should be much more comfortable starting in a back four than a five.
Club captain Joe Worrall looks set to continue at the heart of the defence, alongside Willy Boly who made his first start last weekend since his hamstring injury in February.
New signing Aina had a great debut and didn’t look out of place playing in an unnatural position against one of the best young talents in world football in Bukayo Saka.
Midfield
Cooper’s hardest decision probably is who will feature in midfield for the Reds.
Ryan Yates, Danilo and Orel Mangala are all great options for the two defensive midfield roles, but one of those may have to be sacrificed to allow the front four to all feature.
We have gone for a partnership of Danilo and Mangala to feature as a pair, with Yates desperately unlucky to miss out on a starting position.
Attack
The most exciting part of our predicted line-up is undoubtedly the forward line.
Elanga and Awoniyi looked very dangerous upon their introduction at the Emirates, with their pace and movement causing Mikel Arteta’s side no end of issues.
Forest’s key duo of Morgan Gibbs-White and Johnson had an off day by their high standards, but both will be looking to make amends as the Reds take to the field at the City Ground for the first time this season.
Forest predicted XI: Turner; Aurier, Boly, Worrall, Aina; Danilo, Mangala; Elanga, Gibbs-White, Johnson, Awoniyi.