Nuno can solve Williams ban by starting Nottingham Forest ace in new role

Nottingham Forest face Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley later this afternoon, looking to book their place in next month’s final.

It is the first time the Reds have reached such a stage since 1991, with a win edging them one step closer to their first FA Cup triumph since way back in 1959.

Nuno Espírito Santo’s men come into the clash off the back of a 2-1 win at Tottenham Hotspur on Monday night, handing them the momentum ahead of the crucial fixture.

However, they face Pep Guardiola’s side, who have dominated the competition in recent years, winning twice and losing in the final once in the last six seasons.

If the Reds are to continue their incredible season and claim another historic victory, they will have to do so without numerous key players who will miss the clash at Wembley this afternoon.

The players who will miss the clash with Man City today

Ola Aina has been missing from the Forest side since the 1-0 win over Manchester United back on the 1st of April, with it unclear if he will return this afternoon.

The Nigerian has been key to the success endured in recent months, with his return greatly welcomed, especially considering the situation Nuno faces in the capital.

Ryan Yates and Neco Williams are both suspended for the meeting at Wembley after both picking up their second yellow cards of the competition in the previous round against Brighton and Hove Albion.

Such suspensions are huge blows given their importance to the side, with the Reds facing a selection crisis at right-back should Aina fail to feature after his injury layoff.

With Williams suspended and Aina still a doubt for the meeting, the manager will have to utilise a player out of position, potentially shifting one first-team member into an unnatural role.

The Forest player who could start right-back against Man City

Forest have used the fewest number of players in the Premier League this season, highlighting the tight-knit squad Nuno has built during his tenure at the City Ground.

The likes of Anthony Elanga, Jota Silva and Williams have all featured in unfamiliar roles – with the latter cementing his place at left-back given his performances in recent months.

However, Nuno faces another situation in which he has to operate with someone out of position this afternoon, potentially dropping Nicolas Dominguez into a right-back role against City.

The Argentine, who’s primarily a central midfielder, has once played at wing-back for the Reds in the defeat against Aston Villa, but a role in the back four could utilise his strengths in a much better capacity.

He struggled to provide the width in attacking areas, whilst often being caught out in behind previously, but should the manager select Elanga in a right-midfield role, it could allow the pair to double up on the opposition wingers if needed.

Dominguez’s Premier League stats from the ongoing campaign make him the ideal choice to fill the void this afternoon, hopefully maintaining his popularity amongst the fanbase with another impressive showing.

He’s managed a huge 2.2 tackles won per 90 – the most of any player in the squad this campaign – whilst also coming out on top in 6.3 duels per 90, subsequently proving his defensive qualities.

In possession, he’s been just as impressive, completing 88% of his attempted passes, whilst also creating 0.8 chances per 90, allowing the likes of Elanga and Morgan Gibbs-White ahead of him to cause City huge problems.

Whilst the selection problem is far from ideal for the Reds this afternoon, the players have proven time and time again that they are capable of stepping up to the occasion and thriving on the chances handed their way.

Harry Toffolo did just that against Spurs on Monday night, with Dominguez the next man up, potentially playing a key role in any success come the end of the meeting later on this evening.

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