FC Midtjylland host Nottingham Forest at MCH Arena on Thursday for the second leg of their Europa League last-16 tie.
The Danish side hold a narrow 1-0 advantage from the first leg at the City Ground, where substitute Gue-sung Cho scored late to secure a decisive victory.
Midtjylland enter the tie confident, having already beaten Forest twice this season in domestic and European matches.
The Wolves have been among the surprise packages of the Europa League this season, finishing third in the 36-team League Phase and winning seven of their nine games. Manager Mike Tullberg will aim to harness their home advantage and strong defensive record, as Midtjylland have conceded only once in four home European fixtures this term.
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Forest, however, face a challenging task. New head coach Vitor Pereira has struggled to build momentum, with the Tricky Trees failing to win any of their last six matches across all competitions.
Despite scoring just once in their last five home games, Forest have enjoyed relative success on the road, netting nine goals in their last five away matches and winning two of their last three Europa League away fixtures. Pereira will hope his side can exploit counter-attacks and capitalize on any Midtjylland lapses.
What time does FC Midtjylland vs Nottingham Forest start?
Kick-off is at 8:45 PM (EAT) on Thursday, March 19, 2026, at MCH Arena.
FC Midtjylland vs Nottingham Forest team news
Midtjylland will be without top scorer Franculino (knee) and teenage winger Mikel Gogorza. Dario Osorio returns from suspension and is expected to compete with Kevin Mbabu for the right wing-back slot in a 3-5-2 formation.
Gue-sung Cho could lead the line after his crucial first-leg goal, while Philip Billing, Denil Castillo, and Pedro Bravo are likely to start in midfield.
Nottingham Forest face multiple absences, including Jair Cunha (foot), Stefan Ortega (calf), Nicolo Savona, Chris Wood, John Victor, and Willy Boly (all knee). Luca Netz is ineligible for the Europa League.
Key players such as Neco Williams, Nikola Milenkovic, and Ibrahim Sangare may be recalled to strengthen the side, while Morgan Gibbs-White and Igor Jesus are expected to lead the attack.
Predicted Lineups
- FC Midtjylland possible starting XI: Olafsson; Erlic, Bech Sorensen, Diao; Osorio, Billing, Bravo, Castillo, Bak; Simsir, Brumado
- Nottingham Forest possible starting XI: Sels; Aina, Milenkovic, Murillo, Williams; Sangare, Anderson; Hutchinson, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi; Jesus
FC Midtjylland vs Nottingham Forest head to head record
Midtjylland have dominated the first leg and hold a narrow 1-0 lead. The Danish side also defeated Forest 3-2 earlier this season in the League Phase. Midtjylland have been strong at home in European competition, winning all four Europa League matches this term, while Forest have struggled to convert chances, especially at home, but have shown resilience on the road in European fixtures.
FC Midtjylland vs Nottingham Forest prediction
Forest will need an aggressive attacking approach to overturn the deficit, but Midtjylland’s strong home form and defensive resilience give them the edge. Expect the Danish side to secure progression with a hard-fought draw or narrow win.