Forest's direct outlets should find opportunities as Ipswich take more initiative with the ball. Middlesbrough and Vitória should also have more territory in their matches, while Bolton and Marítimo bring routes to relieve that pressure. The common question is whether attacking control becomes a decisive separation on the scoreboard.
Forest can find Delap early and send Gibbs-White and Ndoye towards the adjoining spaces. Ipswich's forward advances create the setting for that next pass, while Forest's compact work at Arsenal showed they can limit access without controlling possession.
Gibbs-White missed Arsenal and is now reported fit to start. Lukic remains absent for Ipswich, but he also missed City, while Fatawu already appeared there and is not a new return. With Ipswich expected to advance more and Forest able to connect directly after recoveries, I'm siding with Nottingham Forest, keeping a level finish onside.
Middlesbrough's right-side supply through Brittain and Cozier-Duberry gives Lankshear and Conway service into the box. Bolton can answer through Sheehan, a central receiver and Larrazabal's deliveries towards Dalby or a replacement forward. That supply has produced identifiable chances against different opponents.
Boro's expected recalls of Berhalter and Lankshear strengthen their starting structure. Jones, Strelec and Pukstas remain absent from the group that also faced Cardiff. Bolton's Forino-Joseph is not assumed ready, and Nelson's new injury removes a bench option rather than the main attacking connection.
I expect Boro pressure and Bolton looking to retain the first pass after a regain, with fresh attackers available later. Cardiff and Stoke exposed gaps behind Boro's forward commitment, giving Bolton's outlets a relevant target. That's why I'm backing Bolton to keep the margin close.
Vitória's home games show repeated box entries, but blocks, saves and off-target efforts have kept that pressure from regularly producing separation. Marítimo's task is to connect their compact midfield to an outlet behind the advanced fullbacks.
Danilovic and Yellu are reported absent, but Alani, Guzzo and Dominguez were already the starting midfield against Porto. Bouzaidi has since contributed in the cup after appearing from the bench against Porto, restoring a usable wide option without requiring him to start.
Vitória should push early and continue recycling attacks, while Marítimo seek relief through those forward connections and later replacements. The surviving midfield and available outlet carry enough weight alongside Vitória's repeated finishing difficulties. That's why I'm siding with Marítimo to keep this competitive.
