Nottingham Forest face a decisive night in Denmark as they travel to the MCH Arena needing to overturn a narrow first-leg deficit against FC Midtjylland in their Europa League round of 16 clash. A 1-0 defeat at the City Ground has left the Premier League side with work to do, and their recent struggles suggest this will be anything but straightforward.
Forest entered the first leg with optimism, even reducing ticket prices to generate a strong home atmosphere, but the outcome proved frustrating. Despite dominating large spells of the game and registering 22 attempts on goal, they were unable to find a breakthrough. That lack of cutting edge has become a recurring issue under new manager Vitor Pereira, whose side followed up the defeat with another blank in a goalless draw against Fulham.
Pereira initially made a strong impression with a convincing 3-0 victory away to Fenerbahce, but momentum has since stalled. Forest are now winless in their last six matches across all competitions, and their inability to convert chances has become a major concern. At the City Ground, in particular, their attacking output has been remarkably inefficient, with just one goal scored from 99 attempts across their last five home matches.
Interestingly, their away form tells a different story. Forest have been far more productive on the road, scoring nine goals in their last five away fixtures. That contrast offers some encouragement ahead of this trip, especially given they have won two of their last three Europa League away matches. If they are to keep their European hopes alive, they will need to rediscover that attacking fluency away from home.
For Midtjylland, the first leg against Nottingham Forest was a lesson in efficiency. While the English outfit dominated possession and chances, the Danish side made their opportunities count. Substitute Cho Gue-sung proved decisive, scoring late in the match with what was only their second shot on target. It was a clinical display that underlined their ability to remain disciplined and strike at crucial moments.
FC Midtjylland have developed a reputation for late drama in Europe, and interestingly, both of their latest decisive late goals on the continental stage have come against Nottingham Forest this season. Their ability to remain compact and capitalise on small margins has been a defining feature of their campaign.
Under head coach Mike Tullberg, Midtjylland have emerged as one of the standout performers in this season’s Europa League. Finishing third in the league phase with an impressive record of seven wins from nine matches, they have consistently punched above their weight. Now, they are on the brink of reaching the quarter-finals of a major European competition for the first time in their history.
However, their momentum took a hit domestically at the weekend. A late 1-0 defeat at home to FC Nordsjaelland ended their eight-match unbeaten run and saw them lose ground in the Danish Superliga title race. Conceding a stoppage-time goal may also dent confidence slightly, but their European form remains a strong foundation heading into this tie.
Tactically, this second leg could be finely balanced. Forest are likely to take the initiative, knowing they must score, while Midtjylland may adopt a more measured approach, relying on defensive organisation and counter-attacking opportunities.
The early stages will be crucial and an early goal for Forest could shift momentum dramatically, while Midtjylland will aim to frustrate and control the tempo. The Hard Tackle takes a look at how the clubs could line up on the night and what tactics they might employ.
Midtjylland will have to cope without one of their most influential attacking players for this crucial second leg. Leading goalscorer Franculino is ruled out with a knee injury, a significant blow considering his tally of 21 goals this season. His absence removes a consistent goal threat and could force a slight adjustment in how the Danish side approach their attacking play.
Teenage winger Mikel Gogorza is also unavailable due to an unspecified issue, further limiting options in wide areas. There is, however, a boost for the hosts with Dario Osorio returning to the squad after serving a one-match suspension. His availability gives head coach Mike Tullberg an additional option on the right flank, where he is expected to compete with Kevin Mbabu for a starting role.
In attack, Cho Gue-sung has made a strong case for inclusion after scoring the decisive goal as a substitute in the first leg, and he could now be rewarded with a place in the starting lineup. Meanwhile, former Bournemouth midfielder Philip Billing is likely to continue in midfield, providing physical presence and experience alongside Denil Castillo and Pedro Bravo.
Midtjylland are expected to set up in a 3-5-2 formation for this encounter. Elias Olafsson is likely to start in goal, offering reliability between the posts. The back three should consist of Martin Erlic on the right side of defence, with Mads Bech Sorensen occupying the central role, and Ousmane Diao positioned on the left.
In midfield, Dario Osorio could feature as the right wing-back, while Victor Bak Jensen is expected to operate on the left flank, providing width and support in both phases of play. The central midfield trio is likely to include Philip Billing, Pedro Bravo, and Denil Castillo, combining physicality, ball progression, and defensive stability.
Up front, Aral Simsir is expected to partner Junior Brumado in a two-man attack, although Cho Gue-sung remains a strong alternative and could feature from the start after his impactful display in the first leg.
Probable Lineup (3-5-2): Olafsson; Erlic, Sorensen, Diao; Osorio, Billing, Bravo, Castillo, Bak; Simsir, Brumado
Nottingham Forest travel to Denmark with several injury concerns that could impact their defensive stability and overall squad depth. Jair Cunha was forced off early in the first leg due to a foot injury and remains a doubt for this encounter. He is joined on the sidelines by Stefan Ortega, who is dealing with a calf problem, while Nicolo Savona, Chris Wood, John Victor, and Willy Boly are all unavailable due to knee injuries.
Additionally, Luca Netz is ineligible to feature in the Europa League, further limiting options, particularly in defensive areas. Despite these setbacks, Forest are expected to welcome back a few key players into the starting lineup.
Neco Williams, Nikola Milenkovic, and Ibrahim Sangare are all in contention to return after beginning the first leg on the bench. Sangare, in particular, is likely to slot into midfield alongside Elliot Anderson, offering a stronger physical presence and defensive balance in the centre of the park.
Going forward, much of Forest’s attacking threat will revolve around Morgan Gibbs-White, who is expected to operate in an advanced playmaking role. He will likely support striker Igor Jesus, with the duo proving highly influential this season. Together, they have contributed a significant share of the away side’s goals across all competitions, with Igor Jesus enjoying a particularly productive Europa League campaign, having scored seven times, placing him among the top scorers in the competition.
Nottingham Forest are expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Matz Sels is likely to start in goal, providing experience and composure at the back. The defensive unit should consist of Ola Aina at right-back, with Nikola Milenkovic and Murillo forming the central defensive partnership, while Neco Williams operates at left-back.
In midfield, Ibrahim Sangare and Elliot Anderson are expected to form the double pivot, balancing defensive duties with ball progression. Further forward, Omari Hutchinson is likely to start on the right wing, Callum Hudson-Odoi on the left, and Morgan Gibbs-White in the central attacking midfield role. Leading the line will be Igor Jesus, who will be tasked with providing the finishing touch as Forest look to overturn the deficit.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Sels; Aina, Milenkovic, Murillo, Williams; Sangare, Anderson; Hutchinson, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi; Jesus
With Nottingham Forest needing goals to overturn the deficit, Igor Jesus stands out as the player most likely to make the difference on Thursday night. The Brazilian forward has been a key figure in Forest’s Europa League campaign, scoring seven goals in the competition, placing him among the leading scorers this season.
Jesus offers a strong physical presence up front, combined with intelligent movement inside the box, making him a constant threat to opposition defenders. His ability to hold up play and bring others into the attack will be crucial, especially with Morgan Gibbs-White operating just behind him to provide creativity and link-up play.
Given Nottingham Forest’s recent struggles in front of goal, much will depend on Jesus rediscovering his clinical edge. If he can convert chances more efficiently than in the first leg, where the Tricky Trees were wasteful despite creating opportunities, he could be the catalyst for a potential comeback.
This tie remains finely balanced despite Midtjylland’s narrow advantage from the first leg. Nottingham Forest will take encouragement from their attacking output in that game, even if the finishing let them down. With better composure in front of goal, they have the quality to turn this around, especially given their improved performances away from home.
Midtjylland, however, have shown throughout this Europa League campaign that they are extremely disciplined and efficient. Their ability to stay compact, absorb pressure, and strike at key moments makes them a difficult side to break down, particularly when protecting a lead.
Expect the away side to push aggressively in search of an early goal, which could open the game up significantly. That scenario may suit both teams, but it also increases the likelihood of a closely contested encounter decided by fine margins.
