Nottingham Forest predicted XI vs Man United for…

Nottingham Forest predicted XI vs Man United for Carabao Cup semi-final

The stage is set for a big night at the City Ground on Wednesday night as Nottingham Forest host Manchester United in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final.

Head coach Steve Cooper has overseen many memorable moments on the banks of the Trent. And the Reds will be hoping for another one under the lights as they try to gain an edge going into next week’s return leg at Old Trafford, with a trip to Wembley up for grabs.

It is a long time since Forest have reached this stage of the competition - a trophy they have lifted four times. Cooper reminded his player’s of the club’s past glories in the tournament before each of the last two rounds, and the class of 2022/23 know they now have a chance to write their names in the history books.

The Reds boss faces some tough decisions when it comes to picking his team. But a lengthy injury list does at least appear to be easing slightly.

Striker Chris Wood made his debut in Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Bournemouth, being thrown straight into the starting XI 24 hours after putting pen to paper. He is cup-tied for the next two games, however, meaning Cooper will have to tweak his attack.

Sam Surridge will hope he is contention for a place in the team, having netted the equaliser from off the bench at the Vitality Stadium. Alternatively, Cooper could bring Gustavo Scarpa back into the side in the number 10 role and play Morgan Gibbs-White further forward, alongside Brennan Johnson.

Jesse Lingard was an unused substitute on the south coast, but Cooper did hint he might have got some minutes, had a change not been required in the first half to bring off Ryan Yates. Lingard has not trained much since recovering from a hamstring problem, but will no doubt be eager to face his former club.

Depending on whether Yates is available, there could be a decision to make in midfield. The 25-year-old had felt unwell during the game against the Cherries, so will need a fitness check before the midweek clash.

New signing Danilo came off the bench for his first appearance when he replaced Yates, but it would be a big call to start him on Wednesday, given Cooper is keen to give him time to adapt. If Yates is struggling, Cooper could call upon Lewis O’Brien or Jack Colback. Gustavo Scarpa can also play in a deeper role, if Lingard is able to start in attack, for instance.

At the back, Willy Boly made his comeback from an ankle injury at the weekend, making the line-up before being withdrawn with 75 minutes gone. Cooper said it would have been “a bit of an ask” for the defender to complete the full 90, given his lack of training beforehand. If it is decided two starts in quick succession might be too much, Scott McKenna could come back into the defence.

Predicted Forest XI: Hennessey; Aurier, Worrall, Boly, Lodi; Freuler, Yates, Mangala; Scarpa; Gibbs-White, Johnson.

How should Forest line up against Manchester United? Have your say in the comments below

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