AliousMurillo in Doubt as Forest Reveal Expected Line-Up for Crucial Leicester Clash
As Nottingham Forest prepare to host Leicester City in a high-stakes Premier League showdown, the race for a Champions League spot intensifies. With just three games remaining, Forest know that any slip-up could cost them dearly, and Sunday’s fixture at the City Ground could define their season.
Pundit Michael Dawson remains confident in Forest’s top-four hopes, but insists that nothing short of maximum points will do if Nuno Espirito Santo’s men want to set up a dramatic final-day encounter with Chelsea. However, injury concerns could complicate Forest’s plans—especially in defence.
**Murillo’s Fitness Hangs in the Balance**
Key centre-back Murillo remains a major doubt for the weekend after suffering a knock in the draw against Crystal Palace. Nuno Espirito Santo addressed the issue in his pre-match briefing, stating:
> “He \[Murillo] has taken part in parts of training, but we still need to evaluate him further tomorrow.”
Meanwhile, Callum Hudson-Odoi is officially ruled out with a hamstring injury and remains a doubt for the rest of the season. Nuno added that the winger is “improving” but won’t feature on Sunday.
**Forest Likely to Stick With Familiar Formula**
Despite the uncertainty around Murillo, it’s expected that Nuno will field the same XI that secured a point at Selhurst Park. The team showed promising chemistry and resilience, attributes that will be needed in this do-or-die phase.
**Predicted Nottingham Forest XI vs Leicester City:**
* **GK:** Matz Sels – Forest’s No.1 continues to impress with 13 clean sheets and will be aiming to strengthen his Golden Glove lead.
* **RB:** Ola Aina – Growing in sharpness since returning from injury, Aina’s attacking support and recovery pace will be vital.
* **CB:** Nikola Milenkovic – With Murillo questionable, the dependable Serb becomes even more important at the back.
* **CB:** Murillo – If he passes his late fitness test, Murillo’s composure and ball-playing ability will be a big boost.
* **LB:** Neco Williams – Fresh off an assist last week, Williams is cementing his role as the first-choice left-back.
* **CM:** Ibrahim Sangare – A standout against Palace, his physical presence and passing range earned praise and a likely starting spot.
* **CM:** Nicolas Dominguez – Offers dynamism and balance next to Sangare, forming a well-rounded midfield duo.
* **RW:** Anthony Elanga – With Hudson-Odoi unavailable, Elanga’s pace and directness will be key in breaking Leicester’s backline.
* **CAM:** Morgan Gibbs-White – Expected to orchestrate from the middle as Forest’s creative spark.
* **LW:** Elliot Anderson – Preferred over Sosa and Silva, Anderson is likely to keep his place for another start.
* **ST:** Chris Wood – Just one goal away from reaching 20 in the league, his physicality and experience could prove crucial.
With the pressure mounting and the Champions League dream still alive, Forest must deliver under the spotlight—starting with three vital points against Leicester. Will Murillo make it? All eyes will be on the team sheet come Sunday.
Alious
