Expect Glasner to stick with his trusted 3-4-2-1, the shape that made Palace so awkward to break down. Sels in goal, with Diomande, Milenkovic and Murillo as the back three — that's a wall of steel. Aina and Neco Williams bombing on as wing-backs, with Schlager and Sangaré sitting in the double pivot. Further forward, Gibbs-White and Ndoye operating in the half-spaces behind Igor Jesus. That's a side built to press high, win second balls, and knife through the lines on the counter. The absence of Ryan Yates and Nicolo Savona is a blow, but Glasner has depth — Diomande and Schlager are ready to debut.

Leeds will line up in Farke's usual 4-2-3-1, with Calvert-Lewin leading the line. The German loves control — patient build-up, full-backs high, and a number ten pulling the strings. But against a back three, Leeds' wide men will have to work double shifts. The battle will be won in midfield: Schlager and Sangaré vs Leeds' double pivot. If Forest win that dogfight, they'll feed Gibbs-White in those pockets of space between the lines. Set pieces could be decisive too — Milenkovic is a monster in the air, and with Ndoye and Gibbs-White on delivery duty, Leeds' back line will be under siege.