By OkayGoal 
Nottingham Forest host Porto tonight, aiming to secure their place in a major European semi-final.
The Tricky Trees enter the second leg level after a 1–1 aggregate scoreline in Portugal. Manager Vítor Pereira is searching for his first home knockout win in European competition this term. Forest have struggled at the City Ground recently, failing to win in seven home matches. However, they will take confidence from their 2–0 victory over Porto earlier this season.
Tonight marks Forest’s first major European quarter-final on home soil since 1996.
The hosts have endured a difficult domestic season but have found joy in Europe. They progressed past Fenerbahce and Midtjylland to reach this stage of the competition.
A win tonight would provide a massive boost as they continue their Premier League survival battle. Pereira has called for tactical discipline and high energy from his players tonight. The City Ground atmosphere will be crucial as Forest chase club history.
Nottingham Forest team news
The major boost for the Reds is the return of Elliot Anderson. The midfielder missed the first leg through suspension but is now ready to start. He will likely join Ryan Yates and James McAtee in a dynamic midfield trio. Pereira believes Anderson’s presence will improve the team’s link-up play and energy. Stefan Ortega is also expected to return to the starting lineup in goal.
Forest remain without several key defensive figures due to ongoing injury problems. Jair Cunha, Nicolò Savona, Willy Boly, and John Victor are all definitely ruled out. This leaves Murillo and Morato to anchor the defence against an explosive Porto attack. Nicolas Domínguez is expected to fill in at right-back for the Tricky Trees. Forest have lost their last three home knockout matches in major European competitions.
Igor Jesus will lead the line as he chases a significant personal record. The Brazilian forward has already scored seven goals in the Europa League this season. Only one Brazilian has ever scored more in a single campaign of this tournament. Jesus will be supported by Callum Hudson-Odoi and Dilane Bakwa on the flanks. Forward Chris Wood has also declared his hunger to secure more games on his calendar.
Nottingham Forest predicted lineup
Nottingham Forest Predicted XI (4-3-3): Ortega; Domínguez, Abbott, Murillo, Morato; McAtee, Yates, Anderson; Bakwa, Jesus, Hudson-Odoi
When will the match kick off?
The Europa League quarter-final second leg begins tonight at 20:00 BST.
How to watch Forest vs Porto?
UK fans can watch the game live on TNT Sports 1 from 19:00 BST.
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