Portuguese starlet set to start: How Nottingham Forest might line up in the EFL Cup

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Nottingham Forest go in search of a place in the quarter-final of the EFL Cup on Tuesday night when the travel to Burton Albion.

The League One outfit have already defeated Premier League opposition during their cup run and Forest will have to guard against complacency.

It represents a magnificent chance for Aitor Karanka’s team to reach the last eight of a domestic cup competition and set up a real buzz around the City Ground.

With Forest now boasting a sizable squad of players, it seems likely that some changes will be made.

The Boot Room looks at how Forest might line up for their trip to Staffordshire this evening…

Defence

The Reds will probably ring the changes at the back for the trip to Burton Albion.

Luke Steele looks set to deputise for Costel Pantilimon in goal having worn the gloves during the previous cup games.

Danny Fox is ruled out so a central defensive pairing of Michael Hefele and Tobias Figueiredo looks likely.

The Portuguese youngster in particular has looked in great shape since returning to the starting line-up against Bolton Wanderers last week.

The full-backs will probably be rotated from Saturday’s draw with Leeds United. Saidy Janko and Ben Osborn will likely replace Tendayi Darikwa and Jack Robinson respectively.

Midfield

Jack Colback won’t play on Saturday against Sheffield United due to suspension, but having played a prominent part in Forest’s season to date he will probably be rested as the Reds travel to Burton.

Liam Bridcutt has performed admirably well during the Reds’ cup campaign this season and should play at the Pirelli Stadium.

Next to him it seems likely to be one from Ben Watson, Ryan Yates or new boy Claudio Yacob.

Attack

Forest’s four-pronged attack has rotated heavily during the current campaign.

On the wings Joe Lolley might earn a well-deserved rest ahead of important Championship games and that should open up opportunities for other members of the squad.

Portuguese duo Gil Dias and Diogo Goncalves have yet to hit top form and a game against League One opposition could be ideal for the pair.

The number ten role could be an interesting one as Forest only really have Joao Carvalho who is a natural in that position.

Goncalves operated there against Stoke in the last round but with Lolley having played so much football of late, the youngster should start on the wing.

It would seem very unlikely that Carvalho makes the trip to Burton so Matty Cash could earn one of the three positions behind the striker.

Algerian Hillal Soudani looks the most likely to get the nod to play up front, with Daryl Murphy still struggling with a virus.