AliousHead coach Nuno Espirito Santo faces several key decisions as Nottingham Forest gear up for their first match of 2025 against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The Reds ended 2024 in fine form, securing a fifth consecutive win with a 2-0 triumph over Everton on Sunday. With no matches until their January 6 trip to Molineux (8pm kick-off), Nuno has time to evaluate his options and address fitness concerns within the squad.
Forest will be hoping to welcome back defenders Murillo and Alex Moreno, as well as winger Callum Hudson-Odoi, for the clash.
Both Moreno and Hudson-Odoi were sidelined for the Everton match due to minor injuries, while Murillo was a late withdrawal after feeling discomfort in his adductor during the warm-up.
Club captain Ryan Yates, suspended for the Everton game after accumulating five yellow cards, is available once again, though it remains to be seen if he will slot straight back into the starting lineup.
Nuno’s tactical decisions will be influenced by these potential returns.
Prior to Murillo’s injury, the plan was to start with a back three of Murillo, Morato, and Nikola Milenkovic.
When Murillo pulled out, Nuno reverted to a four-man defense, handing wide man Ramon Sosa his first Premier League start.
Morato, who excelled alongside Milenkovic, made a compelling case to retain his spot.
If Murillo is fit, a return to the back-three setup could be on the cards.
The left-back position also presents a conundrum.
While Moreno has been solid this season, Neco Williams has delivered impressive performances in his absence, making it difficult to dislodge him from the starting XI.
In midfield, Nuno must weigh the merits of recalling Yates.
The combination of Elliot Anderson and Nicolas Dominguez was instrumental in the victory over Everton, and their partnership could be retained.
A potential shift to a three-man defense might necessitate adjustments in midfield, adding further complexity to the selection process.
Further up the pitch, Sosa provided a strong display as Hudson-Odoi’s stand-in, nearly scoring and proving himself as a reliable option.
However, if Hudson-Odoi is fit, his significant contributions throughout the season make him a likely starter.
On the right wing, Anthony Elanga’s resurgence in form, highlighted by his involvement in both goals against Everton, should secure his spot.
Jota Silva, meanwhile, may need to wait for another opportunity to feature.
Forest’s predicted XI for Wolves: **Sels; Aina, Milenkovic, Murillo, Williams; Dominguez, Anderson; Elanga, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi; Wood.**
With plenty of options and a confident squad, Nuno has the tools to continue Forest’s impressive run as they enter the new year.
Alious
