The FA Cup returns this weekend for the fourth round, with Nottingham Forest having to wait until Tuesday to play their tie against Exeter.
Forest ran out comfortable winners against Luton in the third round, in a match that saw some of the fringe names of the Forest squad take centre stage.
With a goal and an assist, Ramon Sosa starred against Luton in a display that cooled any concerns about him leaving in the January transfer window, reiterated when Sosa spoke about how much he is enjoying Forest.
On the other wing, Michael Dawson was impressed by Jota Silva against Luton who assisted Sosa’s goal, highlighting that when offered the chance by Nuno Espirito Santo, stars away from the starting XI can use the FA Cup to their advantage.
However, the Forest manager finds himself with a unique dilemma for the fourth round as his side then face Fulham in the Premier League just four days later, which may mean that he needs to rest even some of his squad players.
This could lead to opportunities for the bright talents in the Forest Academy. Here are three starlets in particular who could be offered a chance against Exeter.
Zach Abbott
No stranger to the first-team squad, Zach Abbott was on the bench against Everton showing how highly he is thought of around the City Ground.
Steve Cooper was a huge fan of Abbott in his time as Forest coach, something that is seemingly replicated by Espirito Santo as the 18-year-old started the EFL Cup defeat to Newcastle United in August.
As a centre-back, Abbott has every opportunity to play a role against Exeter if Espirito Santo uses his five-at-the-back system, but even if not, Murillo picked up a knock against Brighton so could be rested in favour of giving Abbott the opportunity.
Archie Whitehall
Captain of the Forest B-team, Archie Whitehall has been compared to Ryan Yates for his midfield talents within the academy set-up.
He has not made a senior appearance under Espirito Santo yet, but Whitehall could at least make the squad against Exeter to give him a taste of senior football.
Whitehall has also shown an appetite for scoring goals in the Forest B team, highlighting that he could provide a level of attacking flair that Yates perhaps doesn’t offer if given his chance to make an impact against Exeter.
Joel Ndala
Perhaps the most exciting choice for fans, Joel Ndala joined Forest from Manchester City on transfer deadline day and could well get a taste of first-team action against Exeter.
Ndala was signed as a Forest Academy prospect rather than a senior option but with the deal only currently a loan, it seems a no-brainer for Espirito Santo to give the winger some minutes to offer a glimpse as to whether the loan deal should be turned permanent.
Clearly, Forest have high hopes for Ndala but want to see him develop first in the academy set-up for the time being. However, an opportunity like this is unlikely to come up again before his initial loan expires so there’s every chance we see the former City gem get a chance on Tuesday.
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