Nottinghamshire

Image source, Getty Images

We asked if you agreed with Steve Hodge's claim that Murillo and Nikola Milenkovic are the best centre-back pairing that Nottingham Forest have had in the past 50 years.

Here are some of your comments:

Kev: Without a doubt. I have been a season ticket holder for over 40 years, I've seen all our centre backs, I thought Des Walker was the most talented centre-back we had, but he has been surpassed or at the very least both Murillo and Milenkovic are equal to him. Milenkovic leads the orchestra but they both read the game so well and he has the security of the pace of Murillo to rely on. They are both brilliant finds and will go a long way in the game

Alan: In my view, Larry Lloyd and Kenny Burns were the best as in those days you could intimidate players and they did that.

Tony: Bob McKinlay and Terry Hennessy, Des Walker, Jeff Whitefoot, Jack Burkitt -we have always had a good half-back line with some incredible players. Jim Iley wasn't half bad either.

Billy: M&M [Milenkovic and Murillo] are a perfect example of exceptional talent married with astute, intelligent management. They're the best pairing I've seen in Forest shirts, but a lot of that is down to Nuno Espirito Santo and his coaches and the way they've set the team up. Defending is the fulcrum of the system and starts with the striker. M&M are exceptional, but it's their ability combined with the team ethic that makes it work.

Derek: They are the outstanding pairing in the Premier League as Burns and Lloyd we're in the First Division - but you'll never beat Des Walker!

Image source, Getty Images

Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo has been named as the Premier League's manager of the month for December.

Forest won five of their six games during the month, including matches against Manchester United, Aston Villa and Tottenham.

It is the second time this season that Nuno has won the award, making him the first Forest manager to do so in a single campaign.

The club said: "On acknowledgement of the award, Nuno requested that everyone at the club was celebrated for their hard work and continuous contributions."

Image source, Getty Images

"I haven't watched a better pairing at the back than Murillo and Nikola Milenkovic in my 50 years of watching Forest."

That is the claim of former England and Nottingham Forest midfielder Steve Hodge, speaking to BBC Radio Nottingham's Shut Up and Show More Football podcast.

"I really mean that - pound for pound what they are as footballers and as a pair," he added. "They have everything. As a pair, they complement each other perfectly and they both seem to be calm characters even under severe pressure."

Hodge went on to mention Larry Lloyd alongside Kenny Burns and Des Walker with various partners as those who Murillo and Milenkovic have surpassed.

Nuno Espirito Santo's side are enjoying a fantastic season and harbour genuine hopes of finishing in a Champions League qualification place. Their stunning form has propelled them to 40 points and third place after 20 games has been built on a solid defence.

Forest's nine clean sheets is the most in the Premier League and only Arsenal have conceded fewer goals - 18 to 19.

Only relegation-threatened Wolves [232] have made more tackles in their defensive third than the Reds' 226 and Manchester United's 215 interceptions is the only tally that eclipses their 195.

Forest lead the division in clearances [575] and have made the second fewest errors leading to an opposition shot [nine] behind Crystal Palace's eight.

So why are Milenkovic and Murillo so essential to this solidity?

"They have everything," said Hodge. "In the air Milenkovic is a giant, Murillo has a great spring for a smaller player and is quick over the ground. Milenkovic is no slouch either - he can turn and is quite mobile.

"They can both use the ball effectively when they need to and Murillo's pace gets them out of trouble."

What do you think? Are they the best? And if not, who is?

Let us know

Image source, Getty Images

Nottingham Forest and Luton have been drawn together three times before in the FA Cup, the first of which saw the Reds win 2-1 in the 1959 final at Wembley.

Nottingham Forest have enquired about a loan deal for Juventus' Douglas Luiz, 26, but the Brazil midfielder is also on the radar of Manchester United, Manchester City and Fulham. (Mail, external)

Want more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip column

A new episode of BBC Radio Nottingham's Shut Up And Show More Football is now available to listen to and download on BBC Sounds.

David Jackson and Colin Fray analyse how Forest are maintaining their push for Champions League qualification and assess the season so far.

Plus, hear from captain Ryan Yates and a preview of a huge game on Tuesday when Premier League leaders Liverpool visit the City Ground.

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Nick Mashiter
BBC Sport football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Nottingham Forest midfielder Danilo could make his return against Luton after recovering from a broken ankle.

The 23-year-old is expected to be in the squad for Forest's FA Cup third round tie at the City Ground on Saturday.

Danilo broke his ankle just six minutes into the season after landing awkwardly during Forest's 1-1 draw with Bournemouth in August.

He will not start the game, but boss Nuno Espirito Santo is hopeful the Brazilian can feature at some point.

He said: "We all wish to see Danilo back on the pitch. He is going to be involved in the squad, he is not going to start. Hopefully we can see him, but we are delighted to have him back.

"Danilo has a smile that is contagious. It has been really good to have him back."

He is likely to be part of a much-changed Forest squad against managerless Luton, who parted company with Rob Edwards on Thursday.

"We are ready to play against Luton. Of course we are going to make changes because every player deserves to start a game," said Nuno.

"We demand a lot from them and we see them work. It is a good chance for our players to play and enjoy themselves, and do their job properly.

"It's a reward, if I make myself clear, because the players are working very hard. If we could, we would play them every game but it's not possible.

"The FA Cup and particularly this game at home, they deserve to play. There's a lot of players in our squad who didn't have enough minutes they are working for and they deserve so much. It's a good moment."

Nicola Pearson
BBC Sport journalist

Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo has been speaking to the media before Saturday's FA Cup third round tie against Luton Town (kick-off 15:00 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Nuno said he is not responsible for contract negotiations at the club, but those that are are "taking care of" the situations of Murillo, Ola Aina and Chris Wood.

• He added: "I don't think there is an issue with that [discussions distracting players]. They are OK and working very well."

• On if Forest's success so far this season is helpful when agreeing new deals and extensions: "Of course it helps. When a player is happy at club there is no issues in terms of changing. We want players to feel good. What we expect is we provide the right atmospheres and they have to do their job on the pitch."

• On what has changed to improve their defence this season: "The commitment of the players, realising how important it is. When you speak about defences, it is not only about the defenders and the goalkeeper. Of course they are huge, but it starts Chris [Wood], with how we try to prevent and cut out some lines. It is all about the team. Clean sheets are the basic starting point for me when you want to compete well."

• The Forest boss said there is "no other thing in our mind besides Luton", despite their next Premier League game being against leaders Liverpool.

• Nuno has said he will make changes to his team: "The players are working very hard, all of them. If we could, we would play them every game, they deserve it. There are a lot of players that have not had enough minutes and they deserve to so this is a good moment."

• Danilo, who was injured in the first match of the season, will be involved in the squad but will not start the game.

• On his wish for the January transfer window, Nuno said: "Everybody stays here. Together, with better spirit, more commitment and ready to go."

Follow Thursday's news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

Manchester City are considering a move for Nottingham Forest full-back Ola Aina, 28. (GiveMeSport, external)

Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column