Nottingham Forest

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Nottingham Forest have won seven successive games in all competitions, their longest run as a top-flight side since February 1989 under Brian Clough (run of 10).

Matthew Howarth
BBC Sport journalist

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Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo made 11 changes to the team that started Monday's 3-0 Premier League victory at Wolves, giving some of his fringe players an opportunity to impress against Championship strugglers Luton.

That opportunity was grasped with both hands by Ramon Sosa, who made his first league start against Everton last month but was an unused substitute at Molineux earlier in the week.

The Paraguayan delivered a perfectly weighted cross for Ryan Yates to head home five minutes before the interval before getting on the scoresheet himself in the second half, converting Jota Silva's low cross after 68 minutes.

Sosa was replaced five minutes later but was given a warm ovation by the Forest supporters as he made his way off the field.

Whether he features against Premier League leaders Liverpool on Tuesday remains to be seen, but Saturday's display suggests the summer signing from Talleres could yet have a role to play in the top flight as Forest look to secure their place in Europe next season.

Were you at the game or following from elsewhere?

Have your say on Nottingham Forest's performance

Come back to this page on Monday to find a selection of your replies

The FA Cup third round continues on Saturday, with several Premier League sides in action:

• Bournemouth v West Bromwich Albion

• Chelsea v Morecambe

• Norwich v Brighton

• Nottingham Forest v Luton

• Brentford v Plymouth Argyle - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Manchester City v Salford City (17:45) - watch on BBC One, iPlayer and the BBC Sport website & app

All times GMT and kick-off at 15:00 unless stated

Follow all of the action and reaction

BBC Sport football expert Chris Sutton has made his predictions for all 32 FA Cup third round games and given his verdict on who will make it into round four.

For this week's matches he is up against actor and musician Billy Bob Thornton, who is a Liverpool fan.

Sutton's prediction: 1-0

When these two teams met in the Premier League in March it was a relegation six-pointer, but they have gone in totally different directions since.

Forest just keep on winning and it is incredible that they are being talked about now as being in the title race.

Their manager, Nuno Espirito Santo, will definitely tinker with his team because they play Premier League leaders Liverpool on Tuesday, but they should still have enough to get through.

Billy's prediction: 2-1

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Nick Mashiter
BBC Sport football news reporter

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Nottingham Forest defender Morato has many tattoos but one means more than others.

The 23-year-old has picture of his sister inked on his right forearm to remember her after she died of cancer.

Rafaela passed away at just 15 in 2018 and the summer signing from Benfica carries her with him.

"I can't not think about her in moments like that," he said. "It was something nobody expected. I always talk about her with my family and will always remember her.

"The others don't really have any meaning in particular, they are just what I feel like getting at the time."

A year after losing his sister the defender struck up a friendship with a six-year-old in Sao Paulo call Larissa, who had brain cancer.

It led to the entire Sao Paulo Under-20 squad shaving their heads before the Copinha - the most famous youth tournament in the country - before winning it in 2019.

Morato asked Larissa to shave his head in the dressing room just before the final to strengthen their bond.

"She was a girl who had cancer in Brazil and she had followed all the matches of the youth team I was playing in at the time," he said, ahead of Saturday's FA Cup third round tie with Luton.

"That was in January 2019 and a year earlier, in August 2018, I had lost my sister to cancer so it was very special for me to see that and very emotional for me.

"At the end, as a team, we all came together and gave her a present. It is a present we as players will never forget and hope that she won't either.

"I still keep in touch with her."

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The FA Cup third round is well under way, with Premier League sides Everton, Fulham and Aston Villa the clubs already booking their places in the fourth-round draw with wins on Thursday and Friday.

But for other sides hoping for a healthy cup run this season, when will the draw take place?

The draw will be live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer following the conclusion of the Arsenal v Manchester United tie, which kicks off at 15:00 GMT on Sunday.

It will include 32 teams - with all third-round matches this weekend settled on the day - and the resulting ties will be played over the weekend commencing Saturday, 8 February.

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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!

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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."

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"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

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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

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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

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Dundee have signed defender Aaron Donnelly from Nottingham Forest for an undisclosed fee on a three-and-a-half-year deal.

The 21-year-old spent last season on loan at Dundee, making 21 appearances following his debut in October 2023 at Livingston.

Donnelly has been on loan at Colchester United this season, playing 22 times for the English League Two club.

He made his Northern Ireland debut in November last year when he came on as a substitute against Andorra.

"I am absolutely delighted to be back at the club," the centre-back told Dundee's website.

"As soon as I knew there was interest, it was a no-brainer to come back. My time here was excellent last season, really successful and I hope to pick up where I left off.

"There was a real connection with the fans and the players and I'm looking to repay them for the great support. I can't wait to get back out in front of them.

"I am really looking forward to seeing the fans again at Dens Park on Thursday night [against Rangers] and make sure to bring the noise."

Gary Rose
BBC Sport journalist

The vast majority of teams in the Premier League are going short from their goal-kicks most of the time, with 11 of the 20 teams playing at least 50% of them inside their own area, and 17 of the 20 playing most of them in their own half.

Premier League leaders Liverpool play 85% of their goal-kicks into their half, with Pep Guardiola's Manchester City having a similar figure of 83%.

But there are perhaps some surprising takes from the figures.

As the above graphic shows, Arsenal - for years seen as playing a progressive, attractive style of football - are just as happy to go long with their goal-kicks as they are short, with roughly half of them ending in the opposition half.

In contrast, the Gunners' fierce rivals Tottenham have, somewhat incredibly, gone long with just four of their 145 goal-kicks so far this season.

Brighton notably went from goalkeeper to goal in less than 30 seconds to spark their 3-2 comeback win against Tottenham in October.

The Seagulls play 75% of their goal-kicks inside their own half and have had some great success with that tactic this campaign.

Meanwhile, surprise packages Nottingham Forest - sitting third in the Premier League - are also bucking the trend with their goal-kicks, with 60% of them being sent into the opposition half.

It is a tactic that, while at odds with the rest of the Premier League, is working for them with resurgent 33-year-old striker Chris Wood providing them with an effective outlet for the long ball.

Read more from Gary about how the role of the goalkeeper has changed

A special episode of Shut Up And Show More Football is available to listen to and download on BBC Sounds.

To mark 50 years since Brian Clough was named Nottingham Forest manager, Colin Fray looks back at the moment he was appointed and how it changed Forest and English football forever.

This one-off programme marks the sliding doors' moment of Clough's arrival and the impact Forest's decision would go on to have, featuring contributions from key figures from the club's present and past including former boss Martin O'Neil and current owner Evangelos Marinakis.

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

And read Andrew Aloia's write-up here

Nottingham Forest are in talks to extend the deal of 22-year-old Brazilian centre-back Murillo, which currently ends in 2028. (Athletic - subscription required, external)

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

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

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Nottingham Forest defender Neco Williams told BBC Radio Nottingham that he believes the club have a "great chance" of beating his former club Liverpool in their next league game.

Williams said: "Liverpool will be a tough test, but the confidence is flowing through the group now so hopefully we can continue that winning form.

"Not just for me, but for the whole team it'll be special. We're the only team to beat them this season, so hopefully we can do that again.

"It's going to be tough, we know how good they are. They're probably one of the best teams in the world right now.

"But with our confidence, our winning form and the fans, if that all comes together then we'll have a great chance."

Listen to the full interview here.