Nottingham Forest travel to face Swansea City in the third round of the Carabao Cup tonight, with new manager Ange Postecoglou hunting for his first victory in charge.
The Aussie suffered a 3-0 defeat against Arsenal in the Premier League on Saturday, but has the opportunity to make amends in South Wales this evening.
Ange-Postecoglou-Nottingham-Forest
Whilst the game against lower league opposition presents an excellent chance for rotation, the 60-year-old needs to avoid a shock defeat to help win over the fanbase.
He stated in his pre-match press conference yesterday that changes are likely to be made to rest some players and hand the opportunity for others to impress the new boss.
However, the competition presents the first opening for the former Spurs boss to claim a trophy for the Reds - something which owner Evangelos Marinakis desperately desires.
With the Europa League also on the horizon, rotation will certainly be needed, which could result in Morgan Gibbs-White being dropped against his former side, with numerous debuts being handed out across the board.
Forest's last nine meetings against Swansea
Date
30/04/2022
11/12/2021
17/02/2021
23/01/2021
29/11/2020
15/07/2020
14/09/2019
30/03/2019
15/09/2018
Stats via 11v11
So, here is our Forest predicted XI to take on Swansea this evening.
GK - John Victor
john-victor-botafogo
The Brazilian shot-stopper joined the Reds late on in the summer transfer window, providing a needed backup to Matz Sels after Carlos Miguel returned back to his homeland.
He’s expected to make his debut for Ange’s side tonight and hopefully stake his claim for a regular first-team role in the months ahead - given the hectic schedule.
RB - Nicolo Savona
nicolo-savona-juventus-man-city
Nicolo Savona made his first Forest appearance in the defeat against Arsenal last Saturday, being brought on after Murillo limped off during the first-half.
The Italian should be handed his first start this evening, helping him build up the needed match fitness to fill the void left by the injured Ola Aina.
CB - Willy Boly
willy-boly
The 34-year-old has often provided a needed experienced presence at the back, which is undoubtedly a reason he penned a new contract at the City Ground over the summer.
He could provide that just that once again this evening, potentially partnering a young talent at the heart of Postecoglou’s backline.
CB - Jair Cunha
jair-botafogo
Jair Cunha is one of just four additions made from Botafogo by the Reds hierarchy this summer, but has had to bide his time before making his debut in the Garibaldi.
He’s only been named in one matchday squad to date, but the cup competition could offer the 20-year-old a perfect start to kickstart his career in England.
LB - Oleksandr Zinchenko
Zinchenko-Arsenal-Brentford
The 28-year-old was a surprise late addition on deadline day for Forest, joining the club on a season-long loan from fellow Premier League side Arsenal.
He was unable to make his debut against the Gunners on Saturday, but like Savona, he needs valuable minutes to build up his fitness given the lack of depth in full-back areas.
CDM - Ryan Yates (C)
ryan-yates
Ryan Yates is a player who has constantly defied the odds at Forest, still remaining as the only player left in the first-team squad from the promotion-winning side.
The 27-year-old is yet to make a Premier League start in 2025/26, but could be set to lead the side with the armband once again tonight, potentially starring alongside another summer signing.
CDM - Douglas Luiz
Douglas Luiz
Huge excitement was generated amongst the fanbase after the loan signing of Douglas Luiz from Juventus, but his transfer is yet to take off given his lack of action.
The Brazilian is yet to make a single appearance for the Reds, but tonight could be the perfect chance for the former Aston Villa star to stake his claim for a regular starting spot.
RW - Omari Hutchinson
Hutchinson
Eyebrows were certainly raised when Omari Hutchinson joined Forest in a club-record £37.5m deal from Ipswich Town - but they reached another level when he was left out of the Europa League squad.
However, the youngster is deserving of an opportunity to feature in the Carabao Cup, needing valuable minutes given his lack of action in the Premier League to date.
CAM - James McAtee
McAtee
Former Manchester City star James McAtee was another one of the club’s big-money additions during the off-season - costing a fee totalling £30m including add-ons.
However, like Hutchinson, he’s yet to start a single game for the Reds, but could be utilised in the number ten role ahead of Gibbs-White in South Wales.
LW - Dilane Bakwa
Paris St Germain's Lucas Hernandez in action with RC Strasbourg's Dilane Bakwa
While the Reds suffered a 3-0 defeat on Saturday, winger Dilane Bakwa was a bright spark, making a huge impression on the fanbase despite only featuring for just 30 minutes.
He completed 100% of his passes, while also attempting two dribbles - potentially having the opportunity to start from the off for the first time in his Reds career.
ST - Arnaud Kalimuendo
Kalimuendo-Rennes-transfer
Alongside Bakwa, Arnaud Kalimuendo was another young star brought into the club from France - costing a fee in the region of £26m from Stade Rennes.
The 23-year-old scored 18 times in all competitions last campaign, having the goalscoring nouse that could see him be the long-term replacement for Chris Wood.
Forest XI to face Swansea: Victor; Savona, Boly, Cunha, Zinchenko; Yates, Luiz, Hutchinson, McAtee, Bakwa; Kalimuendo.