Nottingham Forest supporters have already mapped out their dream starting eleven for the new season, with three summer arrivals slotting straight into the heart of Steve Cooper’s side.
What’s in the dream XI?
The proposed XI includes goalkeeper Anthony Musaba, defenders Ola Aina and Murillo, midfield trio of Remo Freuler, Orellia Mangala and Emmanuel Dennis, with Taiwo Awoniyi leading the attack. In goal, Anthony Musaba gets the nod, while Ola Aina partners Murillo at centre-back. The midfield trio of Remo Freuler, Orellia Mangala and Emmanuel Dennis sits behind Awoniyi, who leads the line.
Why these three new faces?
Forest have been active in the market, and three names stand out among the arrivals. Ousmane Diomande, a young centre-back from Sporting CP, is seen as a long-term replacement for departing defenders. Conor Coady’s exit has opened the door for Diomande to stake a claim in the first team. Xaver Schlager arrives from RB Leipzig to bolster the midfield, offering steel and control in deeper areas. Emil Bergvall, a Swedish youngster from Hammarby, adds creativity and versatility to the squad.
How does this XI compare to Forest’s current setup?
Steve Cooper’s side currently sits 16th in the Premier League with 44 points from 38 games, 41 points behind leaders Arsenal. Forest have scored 48 goals and conceded 51, leaving them with a goal difference of minus three. Their recent form reads DLDWW, while their last result saw them beat Blackburn 3-0 on 2026-07-22. The next fixture is a home clash against Bayer Leverkusen on 2026-08-12.
What comes next for Forest?
The window is still open, and Forest could yet add more depth before the deadline. With a tough pre-season schedule and the Europa League qualifiers looming, Cooper will be looking to balance squad harmony with competition for places. Fans will be hoping the new arrivals can quickly settle and make Forest’s XI stronger across the board. The next few weeks will tell if these dream picks become reality on the pitch.
