Nuno outlines reaction he expects from Crystal Palace fans amid UEFA row with Nottingham Forest

Nuno, who has put his own future at Nottingham Forest in doubt, is confident that Crystal Palace fans’ frustrations will not cross a line when they meet at Selhurst Park on Sunday

Nuno Espirito Santo expects a heated reception at Crystal Palace today but the under-pressure Nottingham Forest boss is certain no supporter will overstep the mark.

An increased police operation will be implemented outside Selhurst Park, including an escort for Forest’s team bus, because Palace supporters plan to protest against their visitors’ role in their European demotion.

Many at Palace believe Forest played a significant role in the Eagles being thrown out of the Europa League for a breach of multi-club ownership rules after the Reds wrote to UEFA. But Nuno is adamant that “narrative is not true” while declaring his confidence that everyone will behave today.

“It’s not going to happen,” he said. “I played at Palace many, many times. There’s always a fantastic atmosphere in terms of support towards their own team. But I’ve never felt any animosity. That’s not what I expect.

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“Inside the pitch, the players will respect each other and play a good game. We face a tough game against a tough opponent. We come from a really good game against Brentford. We performed really well and we’ve to try maintain that standard.”

Nuno’s long-term future at Forest remains in significant doubt after saying on Friday “where there is smoke, there is fire” following reports that he could be sacked.

Forest strongly denied they were looking at replacements for the Portuguese but his comments have not gone down well among the club’s hierarchy and they will continue to evaluate the situation after this weekend.

It is unclear whether Marinakis, who was at the City Ground for last week’s season opener, will attend today’s fixture. At the same time Nuno has spoken positively about the improvements made to his squad in the past eight days with four new signings available to debut today.

Midfielder Douglas Luiz was the latest to join, on a season-long loan from Aston Villa, with England Under-21 stars Omari Hutchinson and James McAtee set to make their bow following big-money moves from Ipswich and Manchester City.

Striker Arnaud Kalimuendo has also arrived from Rennes as back-up for Chris Wood, and Nuno said the squad was “nearly complete” having recently said he needed every area aside from centre-back strengthening.

”They are going to be useful players, no doubt about it,” Nuno said of the new signings. “First of all, our job is to integrate them into the squad and then I think they can help us.”

And the ex-Spurs boss insisted he is now excited by the depth Forest can call upon in attack having relied heavily on 20-goal New Zealand star Wood last season.

“We have good options,” he added. “Igor (Jesus) did all of the pre-season, where we tried different things. We also still have T (Taiwo Awoniyi) and Kali. I think he can be a good option in terms of a different profile – speed, more pace. There (up front) we are OK.”

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