Nottingham Forest predicted lineup vs Southampton - Premier League

Nottingham Forest continue to defy expectations this season and can extend their eight-game unbeaten run when they welcome struggling Southampton to The City Ground.

Nuno Espirito Santo's side had won seven on the spin before Tuesday's 1-1 draw with table toppers Liverpool, results that have solidified their spot within the top four. Champions League qualification remains a distinct possibility for the Midlands club, who have been exceptionally consistent this term.

Forest should have few issues dispatching of Ivan Juric's bottom of the table Saints, who have lost all but four of their matches in the Premier League this season. The Tricky Trees have built solid defensive foundations that are unlikely to be penetrated by the division's lowest scorers, while their clinical attacking unit is primed to punish a porous and disjointed backline.

Here is how Forest could line up for Sunday's affair.

Nottingham Forest predicted lineup vs Southampton (4-2-3-1)

GK: Matz Sels - The Belgian produced an exceptional performance to earn Forest their midweek point against Liverpool, producing a string of sensational stops in the closing stages to deny the likes of Diogo Jota, Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo.

RB: Ola Aina - Aina was similarly important in Forest securing a hard-fought draw on Tuesday evening, clearing off the line from Salah's driven effort in the dying embers. The Chelsea academy graduate has been one of the division's best right-backs this term.

CB: Nikola Milenkovic - A transformative signing in the heart of defence, Milenkovic has been unflappable since arriving in the Premier League last summer.

CB: Murillo - It's easy to see why young Murillo has been frequently appearing in gossip columns over the past year, with the 22-year-old Brazilian producing a mammoth performance against the division's most prolific side midweek. He was player of the match following a committed and stubborn display.

LB: Neco Williams - Williams coped well with former teammate Salah on Tuesday evening and made some important last-ditch interventions to deny his old employers.

DM: Ryan Yates - The return of Danilo from a long and painful injury was celebrated last weekend, but Yates has been mightily impressive in his absence. The combative midfielder delivers commanding, no-nonsense performances weekly.

DM: Elliot Anderson - The summer recruit has been in fine form himself and caught the eye midweek against an excellent Liverpool midfield. Provides impressive balance in the engine room, protecting the back four effectively and offering offensive support.

RW: Anthony Elanga - Elanga's searing pace has caused many issues for defences this season and Southampton are unlikely to relish a battle with the Sweden international. He assisted Chris Wood against Liverpool with a defence-splitting through ball.

AM: Morgan Gibbs-White - Forest's playmaker has produced three goals and as many assists since the beginning of December. You would fancy his chances of carving open the leaky Southampton defence with regularity this weekend.

LW: Callum Hudson-Odoi - Hudson-Odoi hasn't scored since the beginning of November but his energy and trickery will cause problems for Juric's side.

ST: Chris Wood - The relentless New Zealand international scored his 13th Premier League goal of the season against Liverpool, producing a typically clinical finish to best Alisson.

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