Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo names team for Blackpool FA Cup clash
Latest Nottingham Forest news as Nuno Espirito Santo’s Reds face Seasiders in FA Cup tie at the City Ground
Head coach Nuno Espirito Santo has named his Nottingham Forest team to face Blackpool in this afternoon’s FA Cup tie.
The Reds go into their first game of the new year looking to extend their winning streak. They ended 2023 by registering back-to-back Premier League victories, seeing off Newcastle United and Manchester United in a fine start to Nuno’s tenure.
.jpg?w=640&ssl=1)
And as well as an opportunity to maintain that momentum, today’s third round clash is also a chance for Forest to put right some wrongs. Twelve months ago they were knocked out of the competition by the Seasiders at the same stage, suffering a 4-1 thumping at Bloomfield Road under former head coach Steve Cooper.
Nuno’s selection options have been affected by injuries and six players being away on international duty for the Africa Cup of Nations. He makes four changes to the side from last weekend’s 2-1 triumph over United.
There is a switch between the posts as Nuno gives Odysseas Vlachodimos a runout. Ahead of the Greek goalkeeper the back line will be made up of Gonzalo Montiel, Joe Worrall, Murillo and Harry Toffolo.
Ryan Yates and Danilo keep their places in the centre of the pitch. Callum Hudson-Odoi comes in for the injured Anthony Elanga to join Morgan Gibbs-White and Nicolas Dominguez in supporting striker Chris Wood.
There is a place on the bench for young defender Andrew Omobamidele for the first time under Nuno. And Scott McKenna makes his return to the match squad as a substitute, having fallen out of favour.
Forest: Vlachodimos; Montiel, Worrall, Murillo, Toffolo; Yates, Danilo; Hudson-Odoi, Gibbs-White, Dominguez; Wood. Subs: Turner, Tavares, Mangala, Williams, McKenna, Omobamidele, Aguilera, Osong, Gardner.
