Background
Forest have had a busy transfer window, bringing in several fresh faces.
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Since the appointment of Postecoglou, there’s been strong signals that these new players are going to be integrated fairly quickly. Postecoglou has emphasised that the squad was strengthened significantly, that many players have barely had a chance to show themselves in competitive games, and the Swansea match is a good moment to change that.
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Who Might Feature
A few names stand out as likely to be given minutes:
Douglas Luiz: One of the high-profile summer arrivals, Luiz has yet to make his debut for Forest. Postecoglou has hinted he may now get that chance, even if only for part of the match to help with match fitness.
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James McAtee: Another recent signing who impressed in limited game time, McAtee is likely to be more involved, possibly even starting in a deeper midfield role.
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Arnaud Kalimuendo: The French forward has shown goal-scoring pedigree in Ligue 1, and he is expected to lead the line when Forest rotate versus Swansea.
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Omari Hutchinson, Dilane Bakwa: Both of these wide/attacking players could get chances out wide, especially given Forest may rest some of their regular starters. Bakwa, especially, has already shown promise off the bench.
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Likely Team Changes
Forest appear ready to make significant changes to their starting XI for this fixture. Reports suggest an almost wholesale shake-up from the side that lost to Arsenal. This is typical for this kind of cup tie — it gives squad players and new recruits a chance to stake a claim.
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Defensively, players such as Oleksandr Zinchenko (possibly his debut) are tipped to feature. In midfield and attack, the likes of Luiz, McAtee, Bakwa, and Kalimuendo are all strong possibilities.
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What They Need to Prove
For the new signings, this match offers more than just minutes. Key things they’ll be judged on:
Match sharpness / fitness — Postecoglou has stressed that many haven’t played recently. A solid, energetic showing will matter.
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Adapting to Postecoglou’s style — Forest’s new coach is known for attacking play, movement, possession-based transitions. How quickly the newcomers adapt will influence their playing time in tougher fixtures.
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Impact in the game — Goals, assists, pressing, defensive discipline. Even limited minutes could make a difference. If someone like Kalimuendo or Luiz stamps himself in the game, it could push them into the weekend’s Premier League selection.
What to Expect
All in all, we should see a rotated Forest XI, with Luiz almost certain to get off the bench if not start; Kalimuendo leading the attack; McAtee, Bakwa, Hutchinson getting chances on the flanks; and possibly Zinchenko at full-back or wing-back, depending on the formation.
Forest will want to win comfortably, but more than that, this is about ticking boxes: getting minutes into the legs of new signings, building cohesion, and starting to shape the style Postecoglou wants.
If you want, I can also make predictions for the lineup and score, or focus more in on one of the new players to see how they might fare
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