The Reds are searching for their first win since defeating Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on September 2nd.
Cooper’s side picked up a valuable point at home last Sunday against Brentford, after playing the last half an hour with ten men after Moussa Niakhate’s sending off.
They may be boosted by the news that key players Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze will both be missing for Palace through injuries.
Predicted XI to face Crystal Palace
After switching to a back four against Brentford last weekend, we think Cooper will stick with the 4-2-3-1 system to cause the Eagles problems in the final third.
Defence
We believe Matt Turner will be replaced by Odysseas Vlachodimos, who is expected to make his Forest debut after a shaky performance at the City Ground last weekend.
With Nuno Tavares ruled out and Ola Aina only having a 50/50 chance of participating, Serge Aurier looks certain to keep the captain’s armband at right-back.
Harry Toffolo impressed in a 30-minute cameo last week following Niakhate’s dismissal, and he is expected to start today.
Murillo made a fantastic debut at center-back, and the 21-year-old is expected to continue his fine form alongside Willy Boly, who has been outstanding this season.
Midfield
After playing a midfield trio against Brentford last weekend, we think Cooper will revert to two holding midfielders to allow for a more attacking setup.
Ibrahim Sangare had his best game in a Forest shirt last week, with the club-record man set to continue in the middle of the park.
Nicolas Dominguez had a superb debut, scoring a magnificent header which secured the Reds the point. He suffered a knock against the Bees but should be fit enough to start at Selhurst Park.
Attack
Both Callum Hudson-Odoi and Anthony Elanga have had good starts to their careers at the club, and both are expected to start today.
Cooper sidelined Morgan Gibbs-White last week, but he made an immediate impact upon his substitution. The ‘gifted’ midfielder will almost certainly return to the starting lineup against Palace.
Taiwo Awoniy has scored the most goals for the Reds this season, and the number nine is set to lead the line once more.
Vlachodimos; Aurier (c), Boly, Murillo, Toffolo; Sangare, Dominguez, Elanga, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi; Awoniyi are the predicted starting XI against Palace.
