Anthony Elanga is set to return to the Nottingham Forest starting lineup when they welcome Brentford to the City Ground in the Premier League on Thursday night.
The Swedish winger was a surprise omission from the Forest side that started against Manchester City in their FA Cup semi-final on Sunday, as Nuno Espirito Santo‘s cautious approach backfired in the first half.
Elanga’s introduction sparked Forest into life, and even though he missed a golden chance, Nuno’s men were much more competitive after the interval, hitting the post three times in an agonising 2-0 defeat.
That should see the Forest boss revert back to his strongest front four, including Chris Wood being supported by Elanga, Morgan Gibbs-White and Callum Hudson-Odoi.
Wood is just one shy of breaking the 20-goal barrier in the Premier League this season after netting Forest’s second in their win over Tottenham Hotspur last Monday, and he can thank his supporting cast for providing him with numerous chances throughout the season.
Gibbs-White was crestfallen on Sunday after hitting the woodwork twice, but along with Elanga and Hudson-Odoi, that trio have contributed to 34 goals in the league this season.
That will make it tough for Danilo to keep his place in the side, after the Brazilian was handed a rare start on Sunday, but made way at half time for Elanga.
The same can be said for Jota Silva, who overcame a minor knock to make the squad at Wembley, and even though he has shown fine goalscoring form as a substitute in recent months, he also cannot break into the XI, and when he was brought on at the weekend, Nuno utilised him as a full-back.
That was to replace teenager Zach Abbott, who became the youngest player to play in the FA Cup at Wembley in almost a decade, making just a second start for the club, due to the injury to Ola Aina, and the suspension picked up by Neco Williams.
Aina is on the road to recovery from a calf issue, while Williams will be available again here and should come in at right-back, while on the opposite flank, Harry Toffolo should keep his place ahead of Alex Moreno, after two fine performances since coming into the side.
Nottingham Forest possible starting lineup:
Sels; Williams, Milenkovic, Murillo, Toffolo; Dominguez, Anderson; Elanga, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi; Wood
Click here to see how Brentford could line up on Thursday night.
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