26-year-old makes first start since Boxing Day, striker dropped… Nottingham Forest predicted XI vs Brighton

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Nottingham Forest face Brighton this afternoon and we’ve taken a look at a predicted team that Nuno Espirito Santo could deploy.

The Reds are looking to bounce back from the disappointment of last week. Forest were beaten 1-0 by Liverpool, with Darwin Nunez scoring nine minutes into injury time.

Ahead of today, we’ve looked at a predicted team that Forest could deploy against the Seagulls…

Predicted Nottingham Forest team to play Brighton

The Forest rearguard

Ultimately, this will be where the game is won and lost.

If Forest turn up and defend as they did against Aston Villa then it will likely be another long afternoon.

With that in mind, we think Espirito Santo will go with a tried and tested back five against Brighton.

Given that Forest nearly claimed a valuable point against Liverpool, we think all five players will keep their places.

As a result, Matz Sels, Neco Williams, Andrew Omobamidele, Murillo and Harry Toffolo should all play.

The Forest engine room

This could prove a bit of a conundrum for Espirito Santo and we think Ibrahim Sangare could play for the first time since Boxing Day.

He was back on the bench last week after his African Cup of Nations exploits.

Providing he passes a fitness test Nicolas Dominguez should get the nod ahead of Ryan Yates and Danilo who will both make the bench.

Leading the Forest line

Taiwo Awoniyi was on the bench for the Liverpool game but that should mean that he’s good to go today.

We think Divock Origi will drop out of the starting line up at Brighton, with Awoniyi coming back into the team.

Behind him, we expect Morgan Gibbs-White, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Anthony Elanga all to keep their places.

Predicted Nottingham Forest team to play Brighton: