Nottingham Forest play their first game of 2022 on Sunday, when they host Arsenal in the third round of the FA Cup.
Steve Cooper’s side have not played since their 1-0 defeat to Huddersfield Town on December 30.
Monday’s clash with Barnsley was postponed due to injuries and coronavirus cases in the Reds camp, giving the team an unscheduled break from action.
It is notoriously difficult to predict how teams will line up in the FA Cup at the best of times, and even more so now.
Boss Cooper faces a dilemma of whether to name a strong XI, providing players a chance to get back out on the pitch, or give some fringe or younger players the opportunity to impress.
He must also decide whether to throw new signings Steve Cook and Keinan Davis straight into the team.
Forest were without midfielder Ryan Yates and defender Tobias Figueiredo last time out, and it is not yet known if they will be available to face the Gunners.
But Cook could comfortably slot into a back three, alongside Joe Worrall and Scott McKenna, to make his bow in the Garibaldi. Cooper could also opt to go with a four-man defence, perhaps to help keep it tight against the Premier League outfit.
Max Lowe has been making good progress in his return from injury, but it remains to be seen whether he is fit enough for the City Ground clash. And with incoming full-back Richie Laryea not yet confirmed as the Reds’ third January signing, it could be Jack Colback once again who fills in on the left.
The manager may also consider resting first-choice stopper Brice Samba and giving Ethan Horvath a run-out in goal.
Braian Ojeda started against the Terriers, and he could get more minutes again as he continues to adapt to English football. Sunday may also be a chance to start Cafu, who has looked sharp from off the bench.
Xande Silva was handed his full debut last time out, and he certainly caught the eye. The summer signing has found game time hard to come by, but the FA Cup could provide another opportunity for him. Likewise for Joao Carvalho, who has also found himself down the pecking order.
And Davis will hope he is able to pull on the Garibaldi for the first time, although Lyle Taylor will be itching to start, too, if Lewis Grabban sits this one out.
Predicted Forest XI: Horvath; Spence, Cook, McKenna, Colback; Ojeda, Cafu; Johnson, Carvalho, Silva; Taylor.
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