This Thursday night, Nottingham Forest will face Porto at the Estadio do Dragao as they aim for a strong result in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League quarterfinal. The Midlands outfit heads into this match with confidence after securing a notable 3-0 victory away at Tottenham Hotspur before the international break.
Manager Nuno Espirito Santo will likely adopt a 4-2-3-1 formation and could make several adjustments to his starting lineup for this encounter. Nicolas Dominguez, Luca Netz, and Dan Ndoye are all expected to be in the starting XI.
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Nottingham Forest Predicted Lineup in 4-2-3-1 Formation Against Porto
Defense
Matz Sels will take his position in goal for Nottingham, having kept a clean sheet in his previous match. Central defenders Nikola Milenkovic and Murillo will partner in the backline, aiming to maintain defensive solidity throughout the game.
Nico Williams will occupy the right-back position, while Luca Netz will be eager to showcase his skills on the left side. Both players will need to carefully time their forays into attack.
Morato will be available on the bench to provide cover for the center-back positions.
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LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 22: Morgan Gibbs-White celebrates scoring Nottingham Forest’s second goal with teammates during the Premier League match against Tottenham Hotspur at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on March 22, 2026. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Midfield
Ibrahim Sangare and Nicolas Dominguez will serve as the midfield anchors, looking to disrupt the opposition’s play in the center of the pitch.
Just ahead of them, the talented trio of Callum Hudson-Odoi, Morgan Gibbs-White, and Dan Ndoye will be tasked with driving the Nottingham attack. For the team to achieve a positive result, all three must perform at their best on the night.
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Ryan Yates will start on the bench, awaiting his opportunity in the second half if necessary, while Elliot Anderson is sidelined due to suspension.
Attack
Igor Jesus will lead the line for Nottingham, tasked with being a significant threat in the attacking third.
Taiwo Awoniyi will be named among the substitutes and could make an impact off the bench in the closing stages if Nottingham requires a goal.