Nottingham Forest predicted XI vs Newcastle as eight changes are made in the Carabao Cup

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Nottingham Forest enter the Carabao Cup tonight looking to avoid a second-round exit in consecutive seasons.

Last year, the Reds were beaten 1-0 by Burnley with a late goal proving decisive to send Forest packing.

This year, the squad is far stronger and Nuno Espirito Santo might be able to change a few positions tonight and still field a strong outfit.

• READ MORE: What Nottingham Forest are doing to try and sign Santiago Gimenez

Nottingham Forest predicted team vs Newcastle

The Forest rearguard

In goal, there could be a change this evening with Carlos Miguel deputising for Matz Sels who might be in line for a rest.

At centre-back, we think Murillo will still get the nod with Willy Boly coming in for more minutes at the expense of Nikola Milenkovic.

At full-back, Neco Williams will likely keep his place with Eric da Silva Moreira having to settle for the bench again.

Alex Moreno signed for Forest from Aston Villa last week and after missing the win over Southampton, he might be in line for a start.

Marshalling the midfield

Ryan Yates has done a grand job at making an impact from the bench in the opening two games but he may start the game tonight.

Alongside him, we fancy another change, with Nicolas Dominguez coming in for his first start of the 2024/25 campaign.

Leading the Forest line

Taiwo Awoniyi is desperate for some minutes after a frustrating pre-season and this looks like a golden opportunity to get him involved from the off.

Behind him, it could be all change, with Espirito Santo making three changes.

Morgan Gibbs-White, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Anthony Elanga could be rotated, with Ramon Sosa, Jota Silva and Elliot Anderson all starting behind the striker.

From the bench

We anticipate that it will be the usual suspects from the bench this evening.

Either Sels or Matt Turner will definitely provide the goalkeeping cover against Newcastle.

Moreira, Milenkovic and Ola Aina will add some defensive options for Espirito Santo to call upon.

In midfield, Sangare should get a place on the bench, whilst there could also be a spot for the likes of Elanga, Hudson-Odoi and Gibbs-White – if they’re chosen not to start.

Chris Wood is the only other striker in the squad right now and he should take a place among the substitutes too.