Nottingham Forest are set to enter the unknown once again this season, with Vitor Pereira the man chosen to replace Sean Dyche after his sacking earlier this week.
The 54-year-old was handed his marching orders following the 0-0 draw with Wolves at the City Ground, after failing to find the back of the net with any of the 35 attempts on goal.
His 40% win rate in the East Midlands may have made his dismissal somewhat controversial, but the lack of quality performances and a disconnect between the players and manager were always going to spell the end.
Sean Dyche record at Nottingham Forest (timeless)
As a result, the 57-year-old has been chosen as the club’s fourth permanent manager of the campaign, with the hope that the former Wolves boss can steer the Reds to Premier League survival.
He managed to achieve such a feat at Molineux last campaign, with Evangelos Marinakis putting faith in the former Olympiacos boss to replicate his success at the City Ground.
Vitor Pereira's Wolves record
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However, the appointment will likely see the first-team switch to a three-back formation, a system the soon-to-be manager has utilised throughout his managerial career.
His arrival will bring about fresh opportunities for numerous players in the squad, including those who failed to catch the eye of Dyche during his own tenure.
So, here is the dream starting eleven that Pereira could deploy to secure Forest’s top-flight status…
1 GK - Stefan Ortega
Stefan-Ortega
The German shot-stopper only joined Forest from Manchester City in the January transfer window, but has already kept a clean sheet in the Premier League.
His experience at the top end of the division could prove to be vital between now and the end of the season, which could make him a valuable asset to Pereira.
2 CB - Nikola Milenkovic
Nottingham Forest's Igor Jesus celebrates scoring their first goal with Murillo and Nikola Milenkovic
The centre-back has been a consistent figure at the heart of the Reds’ backline this season, subsequently featuring in every minute of the league campaign to date.
His aerial dominance and strength at the back could be perfectly suit the three-back system, especially with the two options either side of him at the City Ground.
3 CB - Murillo
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Like Milenkovic, Murillo has been a crucial figure at the heart of the club’s backline in 2025/26, but the Brazilian has missed the last two matches through injury.
Upon his return to action, the 23-year-old will no doubt become a key squad member again, with the defender’s star quality able to get the first-team out of any relegation danger.
4 CB - Jair Cunha
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The first major call of Pereira’s tenure could be to include youngster Jair Cunha in his plans, with the Brazilian only starting one Premier League game after his summer move from Botafogo.
His only appearance against Newcastle United saw him thrive, subsequently winning 100% of his ground and aerial duels, with the new boss needing to put faith in the youngster.
5 RWB - Neco Williams
Neco Williams celebrates for Forest
The Welsh international has been one of the most underrated players in the division this campaign, even doing so whilst operating in an unfamiliar left-back role.
The switch to a wing-back system could hand the defender more of a license to bomb forward and make a positive impact within the final third of the pitch.
6 LWB - Luca Netz
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Luca Netz
January addition Luca Netz is a player who could have a huge future at Forest, even if Dyche wasn’t totally convinced by his arrival from Borussia Monchengladbach on deadline day.
The German has thrived in the Bundesliga for chances created, with his attacking nature potentially being the perfect fit for the new manager’s preferred system.
7 CM - Elliot Anderson
Elliot Anderson of Nottingham Forest during the Premier League match Leeds United vs Nottingham Forest
When it comes to the first name on the Forest teamsheet this season, central midfielder Elliot Anderson is arguably the first name that fans would mention.
Like Milenkovic, the £100m-rated star has featured in every league minute to date, with the England international having the quality to pull the side away from danger.
8 CM - Ibrahim Sangare
sangare (2)
The Ivorian has formed an excellent partnership alongside Anderson at the base of the Reds midfield, with the partnership one of the most important pieces of the puzzle.
He’s certainly been one of the side’s biggest improvements from the 2024/25 campaign - hopefully something that can continue in the final 12 matches of the season.
9 CAM - Morgan Gibbs-White
Botman-Gibbs-White-Forest-Newcastle
Morgan Gibbs-White is currently the club’s top scorer in the league this season, with his tally of six goals preventing the club from dropping inside the relegation zone.
The captain will no doubt continue to play a vital role before the end of May, which could prove to be pivotal given the looming threat of relegation from the top-flight.
10 CAM - James McAtee
McAtee
After forking out £30m for his signature in the summer window, many tipped attacking midfielder James McAtee to be a key member of the Forest senior ranks.
However, his tally of just one league start this season showcases his struggles, but it could see Pereira be the man to finally get the best out of the Englishman.