Ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup 3rd round clash, we have the Nottingham Forest vs Luton preview, prediction, latest team news and predicted lineups.
Nottingham Forest Vs Luton Preview
After winning six consecutive Premier League games, Nottingham Forest’s attentions turn to the FA Cup on Saturday afternoon.
On Monday night, Forest cruised to a comfortable 3-0 win against Wolves. Morgan Gibbs-White scored against his former club before Chris Wood and Taiwo Awoniyi put the gloss on another fine performance.
The victory was made all the more sweeter for ex-Old Gold boss Nuno Espirito Santo. It’s the third time the Portuguese gaffer has won at Molineux since leaving in 2021.
A surge for the UEFA Champions League places is very much on for the Tricky Trees. As it stands, they are in third position on 40 points. Just six points off the summit.
Santo’s side may not want to entertain a lengthy cup run with more pressing aspirations. However, the supporters would cherish another Wembley appearance. Last happening in the competition in 1991.
Focus turns to the @EmiratesFACup. 🔜 pic.twitter.com/cR9IT7fQdJ
— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) January 8, 2025
Luton only finished one place below their opponents last season but now they find themselves 37 positions apart in the English football pyramid.
The Hatters drastic fall to 20th spot in the Championship was enough for the hierarchy at Kenilworth Road to axe manager Rob Edwards.
Monday’s 2-1 defeat to QPR was the last straw for the Welshman. The Loftus Road loss was their fourth in a row and 10th consecutive away defeat.
Former boss Mick Harford will take charge of first team affairs alongside Richie Kyle and Paul Trollope. The trios first task couldn’t have come against tougher opposition than Saturday’s high-flyers.
Ahead of the game, the best football betting sites in the UK price Nottingham Forest as the 2/5 favourites. Luton can be backed at 7/1 with the draw available at 4/1.
Nottingham Forest Vs Luton Team News
Long-term absentee Danilo will return to Nottingham Forest‘s matchday squad on Saturday. Manager Nuno Espirito Santo confirmed the news during Thursday’s press conference.
However, Ibrahim Sangare will miss out again. Changes are expected for Forest. Top-scorer Chris Wood will likely be rested for Taiwo Awoniyi.
Bit-part players Willy Boly, James Ward-Prowse and Ramon Sosa are also likely to earn a place in the starting XI. Goalkeeper Carlos Miguel could get the nod to take the gloves from Matz Sels.
Meanwhile, struggling Luton will be without missing Reece Burke, Teden Mengi, Alfie Doughty, Shandon Baptiste and captain Tom Lockyer.
Forward Elijah Adebayo started on the bench against QPR on Monday. He is set for a recall to play alongisde Carlton Morris up front.
Former Newcastle United goalkeeper Tim Krul is set to start in goal. Mark McGuinness – who scored against the Super Hoops – will be tasked with marshalling the defence.
We can confirm that Rob Edwards has left his role as manager by mutual agreement.
— Luton Town FC (@LutonTown) January 9, 2025
Nottingham Forest Vs Luton Predicted Lineups
Nottingham Forest (4-2-2-2): Miguel; Aina, Boly, Morato, Moreno; Yates, Anderson; Jota, Ward-Prowse, Sosa; Awoniyi
Luton (3-4-1-2): Krul; Anderson, Holmes, McGuinness; Hashioka, Mpanzu, Nakamba, Bell; Chong; Morris, Adebayo
Nottingham Forest Vs Luton Prediction
Even with a rotated squad, Nottingham Forest will likely prove far too strong for a lacklustre Luton side. The Hatters are in turmoil while their hosts are riding the crest of a wave.
Although an FA Cup is perhaps not the priority, Forest have enough about them to see off the EFL Championship strugglers at the City Ground.
Therefore, there will certainly be no fairytale at NG2.
Prediction: Nottingham Forest 3-0 Luton
