Match Preview for Nottingham Forest v Ferencvaros
Nottingham Forest have not had a seamless run through the league phase but they have done enough to secure at least a playoff spot in the Europa League. Mathematically, a top-eight finish is still possible but it would take a freakish set to results for Sean Dyche’s men to qualify automatically for the round of 16.
Forest’s main focus this season is remaining in the Premier League and taking seven points from games with West Ham, Arsenal and Brentford would indicate they are on the right path. They currently hold a five-point lead over third-bottom West Ham, although the Hammers’ form has also seen a recent improvement.
It is, therefore, likely Dyche will make several changes to his team for the visit of Ferencvaros, which could play nicely into the hands of the Hungarian club.
Robbie Keane’s side have saved their best performances this season for Europe’s second tier competition. They sit third in the domestic league following the weekend defeat at home to Gyor but have yet to lose in the Europa League, enjoying wins over Genk, Salzburg, Ludogorets and Rangers alongside draws with Plzen, Fenerbahce and Panathinaikos.
Securing a place in the knockout phase would certainly enhance Keane’s reputation and most likely lead to offers from clubs in England for the former Wolves, Liverpool and Tottenham striker to return.
Ferencvaros start the final match round in seventh on 15 points, one point and two places above Porto who occupy the final playoff spot. A draw could be enough, but a win would guarantee a top-eight finish.
Team News for Nottingham Forest v Ferencvaros
Dyche will make changes and leave several key players out ahead of the big domestic challenges to come.
Elliot Anderson is suspended following his red card in Braga last week while Omari Hutchinson, Taiwo Awoniyi – a goalscorer in the victory at Brentford at the weekend – and Jair Cunha are all ineligible.
Chris Wood and John Victor are injured and Douglas Luiz is about to have his loan move terminated by Juventus before he returns to Aston Villa.
Ferencvaros have their problems too with Stefan Gartenmann injured and Tom Raemaekers suspended.
Predicted line-ups for Nottingham Forest v Ferencvaros
Nottingham Forest: Gunn; Savona, Morato, Milenkovic, Williams; Sangare, Yates, McAtee, Bakwa, Hudson-Odoi; Jesus
Ferencvaros: Grof; Lakatos, Cisse, Szalai; Makreckis, Levi, Romao, Kanichowsky, Cadu; Zachariassen, Bamidele
How to watch Nottingham Forest v Ferencvaros: TV and online streams
Nottingham Forest versus Ferencvaros kicks off at 8pm UK time tomorrow night. It is being shown on TNT Sports in the UK and can be streamed via the discovery+ app.
To watch elsewhere in the world, click HERE to find your local rights holder.
Stats for Nottingham Forest v Ferencvaros
Nottingham Forest and Ferencvaros have never met before
Indeed, this is Forest’s first meeting with a team from Hungary
Ferencváros have lost six of their nine European matches in England (W1 D2)
