Nottingham Forest Eye Historic Final as They Gear Up for FA Cup Semi-Final Clash with Manchester City

Nottingham Forest Eye Historic Final as They Gear Up for FA Cup Semi-Final Clash with Manchester City

Nottingham Forest’s remarkable 2024 campaign continues with a historic FA Cup semi-final appearance, their first since 1991, as they prepare to take on Premier League giants Manchester City at Wembley Stadium on April 27. Having already stunned Pep Guardiola’s side earlier this season, the Tricky Trees will be determined to secure a place in their first domestic cup final in over three decades. A win would set up a showdown on May 17 against either Aston Villa, who haven’t lifted the trophy since 1957, or two-time FA Cup runners-up Crystal Palace.

Here’s a look at Nottingham Forest’s expected lineup for this monumental semi-final encounter.

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**How Forest Have Set Up in Recent Matches**

Under Nuno Espirito Santo, Forest have balanced squad rotation with strong performances throughout their FA Cup journey. However, against Manchester City, Nuno is expected to field his best available XI. 

In their latest outing — a 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur on April 21 — Forest deployed a 4-2-2-2 setup rather than their typical 4-2-3-1, adding extra strength in midfield. Matz Sels, who has cemented himself as first-choice goalkeeper, was once again between the sticks. The dependable central defensive pairing of Nikola Milenkovic and Murillo continued, offering solidity at the back. Neco Williams took up the right-back role, while Harry Toffolo made a rare start on the left, delivering a standout performance that included a crucial goal-line clearance.

In midfield, Nicolas Dominguez and Danilo anchored the team, with Danilo making his return to the starting lineup after a lengthy spell on the sidelines. Ahead of them, creative force Morgan Gibbs-White partnered with young talent Elliot Anderson, who impressed in a more advanced role, finding the net with the game’s opening goal.

Leading the line, Chris Wood — enjoying a career-best season with 19 league goals — was supported by the rapid Anthony Elanga, whose six goals and nine assists this term underline his importance to Forest’s dynamic counter-attacking approach.

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**Tactical Approach and Recent Form**

Nottingham Forest have turned into one of the Premier League’s most effective sides on the road this season, especially against traditional top-six teams. Memorable away victories at Liverpool, Manchester United, and Tottenham are testament to Nuno’s well-drilled, pragmatic tactics. 

Forest are comfortable ceding possession, staying organized defensively, and then launching devastating counterattacks — a strategy that will likely be employed against City at Wembley. Their ability to grab an early goal and then defend resolutely has made them one of the toughest sides to break down when ahead, a fact highlighted by their recent performance at Spurs where they scored twice early and survived a late onslaught despite having only four shots compared to Tottenham’s 22.

Another strength that could prove crucial is their proficiency in penalty shootouts. Forest have prevailed on penalties in three consecutive FA Cup rounds, knocking out Exeter City, Ipswich Town, and Brighton, with goalkeeper Matz Sels proving a reliable figure between the posts during spot-kick duels.

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**Injury and Suspension Concerns for Forest**

Forest face several selection headaches ahead of their semi-final. Club captain Ryan Yates and right-back Neco Williams are suspended, significantly weakening their defensive options. 

First-choice right-back Ola Aina remains a major doubt and will undergo a late fitness test. Should he miss out, Forest will have to improvise, as only Harry Toffolo and Alex Moreno are available as natural full-backs — both of whom are left-footed and more comfortable on the left flank. 

Teenager Eric da Silva Moreira could offer a solution at right-back, but he is also a fitness concern and would be a bold choice for such a high-stakes match. Winger Jota Silva is another potential absentee, though he could still be named on the bench if he passes a late fitness check.

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**Predicted Nottingham Forest Starting XI vs Manchester City**

– **Goalkeeper:** Matz Sels 
– **Right-Back:** Harry Toffolo 
– **Centre-Back:** Nikola Milenkovic 
– **Centre-Back:** Murillo 
– **Left-Back:** Alex Moreno 
– **Defensive Midfield:** Elliot Anderson 
– **Defensive Midfield:** Nicolas Dominguez 
– **Attacking Midfield:** Morgan Gibbs-White 
– **Right Wing:** Anthony Elanga 
– **Left Wing:** Callum Hudson-Odoi 
– **Striker:** Chris Wood 

Forest will be hoping that their resilience, counter-attacking threat, and penalty shootout prowess will carry them past one of the toughest opponents in world football and into a long-awaited FA Cup final.