Predicted Nottingham Forest XI vs Ipswich in the FA Cup as Nuno Espirito Santo makes six changes

Nottingham Forest are firmly in the mix to secure a place in the Champions League this season and tonight’s FA Cup game provides a nice distraction.

The Reds came through a tough game with Exeter last time out, winning after extra-time and penalties against the League One opposition. Luton were despatched in the third round by Forest.

Nuno Espirito Santo has earned praise this season for his efforts as the club’s head coach. He’s put Forest back on the map in the best league in the world and it’s already been a remarkable season.

Forest will look forward to tonight’s game against Ipswich at the City Ground. The Reds have already beaten the Tractor Boys at home this season and face them away in less than two weeks.

Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images

Predicted Nottingham Forest XI vs Ipswich Town in the FA Cup

The Forest rearguard

We don’t anticipate too many changes defensively tonight. Matz Sels will likely remain in goal with Carlos Miguel unable to take his place between the posts through injury. Wayne Hennessey will provide backup.

After poor performances from Alex Moreno and Eric da Silva Moreira at Exeter, perhaps Espirito Santo will stick with Ola Aina and Neco Williams in the full-back positions this evening.

At centre-back, Willy Boly and Morato will likely get into the starting eleven with both players craving more minutes having been second fiddle across the campaign.

The Forest engine room

This could be the perfect game for Ibrahim Sangare to step up his return from a hamstring injury. He’s craving Premier League minutes and it will be beneficial for him if he starts tonight.

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Alongside him, Ryan Yates should get the nod to start – and captain the team this evening. Elliot Anderson has played a lot of football of late and he could get a rest tonight ahead of a big game on Saturday.

Leading the Forest line

Taiwo Awoniyi scored a brilliant goal and played extremely well against Exeter in the last round and that should earn him the chance to feature from the off tonight, with Chris Wood getting some time on the bench.

Behind the centre-forward, we think Morgan Gibbs-White might start as Forest aim to keep some continuity, with Anthony Elanga also set to play on the right-hand side of the attack.

On the left, Ramon Sosa has been desperate for minutes this season. He’s done well in both FA Cup matches and as a result, it would make sense to start him tonight.

Line Up image for Forest vs Ipswich by GRV Media

Also in contention for Forest vs Ipswich

Defensively, Espirito Santo will likely include Nikola Milenkovic and Murillo among the substitutes for this evening’s game, with Harry Toffolo likely to be involved too.

Midfielders will be among the subs too, with Danilo and Nicolas Dominguez likely to provide the backup for the players who start the game.

Going forward, we expect Jota Silva to be on the bench once again, with Callum Hudson-Odoi also named on the bench in the event that things aren’t going quite right.

Wood will provide competition for Awoniyi and youngster Zach Abbott might also be thrown on the bench for good measure.

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