Awoniyi to get FA Cup start

Taiwo Awoniyi is set to lead Nottingham Forest’s attack in their FA Cup quarter-final clash against Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday, as manager Nuno Espirito Santo looks to rest prolific striker Chris Wood amid injury concerns, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Forest’s top scorer Wood, who has netted an impressive 18 goals in 29 Premier League appearances this season, is nursing a hip injury sustained while on international duty with New Zealand.

The 33-year-old forward was substituted in the 54th minute during his country’s 3-0 World Cup qualifying victory over New Caledonia on Monday.

Although Wood celebrated with teammates after New Zealand secured just their third-ever World Cup qualification, his fitness remains in doubt ahead of a crucial period for Forest.

The East Midlands club face Brighton in the FA Cup quarter-finals on Saturday before hosting Manchester United in the Premier League just three days later, followed by a Midlands derby against fellow Champions League hopefuls Aston Villa.

With Forest currently sitting third in the Premier League table and chasing their first top-four finish in decades, Espirito Santo appears ready to prioritise league commitments over cup ambitions. Wood is yet to start an FA Cup match this campaign despite his excellent league form.

Awoniyi, who has struggled for consistent playing time this season, is likely to benefit from Wood’s potential absence. The Nigeria international has started six matches across all competitions this term, with half of those coming in the FA Cup.

The Nigerian striker’s limited game time under Espirito Santo has also affected his international prospects, with Awoniyi missing out on the Super Eagles’ squad for their recent World Cup qualifying fixtures against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.

Forest’s cup tie against Brighton represents a significant opportunity for the club to reach their first FA Cup semi-final since their triumphant 1959 campaign.

However, with Champions League qualification potentially on the horizon, the FA Cup quarter-final at the Amex Stadium may serve as a valuable opportunity for Awoniyi to stake his claim for more regular first-team action.

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