It’s now or never for Nottingham Forest, who travel to Crystal Palace in dire need of three points as they look to bookmark their fairytale season with a Champions League happy ending. With four games to go, the Tricky Trees now sit in sixth place but could move as high as fourth if they defeat Oliver Glasner’s Eagles and results go their way elsewhere.
Following Forest’s defeat to Brentford last time out, their chances of finishing in the top five decreased sharply from 75% to 53%, according to Opta, and Nuno Espirito Santo will be desperate for his side to get back on track at Selhurst Park. Here is our Nottingham Forest predicted lineup.
Nottingham Forest Predicted Lineup for Must-Win Premier League Game vs Crystal Palace on May 5
How Forest Have Lined Up Recently
Nuno was able to revert to his preferred 4-3-2-1 system against the Bees thanks to the much-needed return of right-back Ola Aina, who had missed the previous four games with a calf problem.
Goalkeeper Matz Sels remains in pole position to win the Premier League Golden Glove this season, although Arsenal’s David Raya has closed the gap to just one. In front of him, stalwarts Nikola Milenkovic and Murillo endured an uncharacteristically difficult evening against Brentford, with the two central defenders struggling with the Bees’ barrage of long balls and pacey forwards.
Ola Aina managed 75 minutes at right-back on his return, with Neco Williams reclaiming the left-back spot from able deputy Harry Toffolo. In midfield, Nuno opted for the tried-and-tested pair of Elliot Anderson and captain Ryan Yates, leaving out Argentine Nicolas Dominguez who has featured heavily in recent weeks.
Out wide, speedsters Callum Hudson-Odoi and Anthony Elanga continue to be the preferred pair and have 22 Premier League goal contributions between them. Morgan Gibbs-White operated in the centre of the three, a position in which the 25-year-old has excelled this season as Forest have defied all odds to fight for a Champions League place.
Nuno was able to revert to his preferred 4-3-2-1 system against the Bees thanks to the much-needed return of right-back Ola Aina, who had missed the previous four games with a calf problem.
Goalkeeper Matz Sels remains in pole position to win the Premier League Golden Glove this season, although Arsenal’s David Raya has closed the gap to just one. In front of him, stalwarts Nikola Milenkovic and Murill.
Crystal Palace team news
With the FA Cup final on the horizon, Palace may rotate given that they have secured another season in the Premier League.
Chadi Riad and Cheick Doucoure are both ruled out through injury for the Eagles, while Matt Turner is ineligible to play his parent club.
Dean Henderson will start in goal, while expect captain Marc Guehi to keep his place and Jean-Phillippe Mateta to lead the line.
Crystal Palace likely line-up
(3-4-2-1) Henderson; Richards, Lacroix, Guehi; Munoz, Hughes, Wharton, Mitchel; Sarr, Eze; Mateta
Nottingham Forest team news
Nuno has a largely fit squad to pick from, with Callum Hudson-Odoi and Eric da Silva Moreira the only two members of his squad nursing knocks.
Expect Nicolas Dominguez to play in a more advanced role due to the absence of Hudson-Odoi and Ibrahim Sangare will come into the side.
The excellent defensive partnership of Murillo and Nikola Milenkovic will continue in front of golden glove leader Matz Sels.
Nottingham Forest likely line-up
(4-2-3-1) Sels; Williams, Milenkovic, Murillo, Toffolo; Sangare, Anderson; Elanga, Gibbs-White, Dominguez; Wood
Crystal Palace vs Nottingham Forest stats
– Nottingham Forest are unbeaten in their last eight games against Crystal Palace (4W, 4D)
– Forest won the reverse fixture in October, Chris Wood scored the only goal in a 1-0 win at the City Ground
– Crystal Palace are without a win in their last four Premier League games (2D, 2L), while Forest have lost three of their last four
– Palace have won just five home games this season, only Everton and the relegated sides have registered fewer home wins this season
– Forest have won nine away fixtures in the Premier League this season, more than their last two seasons put together (5W)
