Nottingham Forest’s frenzied 2024-25 season keeps rolling along with an upcoming match at home against nearby foes Leicester City—a contest that could see them leapfrog back into contention for a Champions League spot. At present, the Tricky Trees trail fifth-place Chelsea by only two points and aim to exploit newly relegated Ruud van Nistelrooy’s struggling Foxes team as they strive to maintain their aspirations of playing in Europe next year. This fixture represents a crucial showdown for manager Nuno Espírito Santos’ squad since Aston Villa has narrowed the gap to just one point from sixth place, leaving Forest somewhat unsettled with merely three matches remaining this term. Below we provide our forecasted starting lineup for Nottingham Forest facing off against Leicester City.


Nottingham Forest’s Team Composition for East Midlands Derby Against Leicester City on May 11


How Recently the Forest Has Been Aligned

Following three difficult defeats in a row, Forest produced a far better performance against Crystal Palace last time out, but only managed to come away with a draw. Despite conceding a penalty against the Eagles, goalkeeper Matz Sels has had an outstanding season, demonstrating remarkable consistency and calmness between the sticks.

Nikola Milenkovic and Murillo remain Nuno’s top choices as central defenders, though the latter had to leave due to an injury during the match at Selhurst Park. This 22-year-old player has played a vital role in Forest’s achievements this season and his absence from the last three games could be significantly detrimental.

The impressive Ola Aina started at right-back, completing all 90 minutes for the first time since returning from injury. At left-back, Neco Williams continues to be first choice, and the Welshman was one of eight Forest players to be booked in the fiery contest.

Ibrahim Sangare was given a rare start in defensive midfield, his first since August, as an injury-hit season has left the Ivorian a peripheral figure in Nuno’s squad. His partner, 22-year-old Elliot Anderson, has now started the Tricky Trees’ last 20 matches and has been nothing short of a revelation since his summer move from Newcastle.

With Callum Hudson-Odoi unavailable, midfielder Nicolas Dominguez took up a position on the wing, while more forward-oriented players like Jota Silva and Ramon Sosa were kept on standby. To exploit his strengths, the versatile Anthony Elanga moved over to the left side, enabling him to move inside onto his dominant right foot.

England international Morgan Gibbs-White, who wore the captain’s armband in place of Ryan Yates, continues to be the first name on the team sheet as Forest look to secure European football. Chris Wood remains the undisputed first-choice striker at the City Ground with 19 league goals this term, and will be desperate to hit the 20-goal mark against the Foxes.


Recent Performance and Strategies of Nottingham Forest

Nottingham Forest have won just one of their last five games and will be hoping to get their mojo back against a very poor Leicester side. Goals have been in short supply for the Reds in recent weeks, with them managing just three in their last five matches, so a home clash against a side who have conceded 76 goals in 35 games looks like a priceless opportunity to rediscover their shooting boots.

The Tricky Trees have now conceded first in four of their last five league matches, a worrying trend for a side that focuses primarily on keeping a solid defence and utilising counter-attacks to score. Nuno’s side have won just once this season after conceding first, as the Portuguese manager’s focus on pragmatism has left them unable to push players up the pitch and launch effective comebacks when going behind.


Nottingham Forest Players With Injuries to Watch

Winger Callum Hudson-Odoi has been ruled out of the Leicester game with a thigh injury,

but Nuno was hopeful that the 25-year-old will feature again this season.

Defensive stalwart Murillo is suffering from the thigh issue which forced him off at Selhurst Park last time out, and is facing a late fitness test prior to the game. The Brazilian is crucial to the Tricky Trees and will be very hard to replace if unavailable.


Nottingham Forest Predicted Lineup vs Leicester City

GK: Matz Sels

RB: Ola Aina

CB: Murillo

CB: Nikola Milenkovic

LB: Neco Williams

DM: Elliot Anderson

DM: Ryan Yates

AM: Morgan Gibbs-White

RW: Nicolas Dominguez

LW: Anthony Elanga

ST: Chris Wood



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