Nuno Espirito Santo addresses Nottingham Forest fears as boss at risk of axe

Nuno Espirito Santo anticipates a hostile welcome at Crystal Palace today but the embattled Nottingham Forest manager is confident that no fan will cross the line. Enhanced police measures will be deployed around Selhurst Park, including protection for Forest's team coach, as Palace supporters prepare to demonstrate against their visitors' involvement in their European expulsion.

Numerous Palace fans believe Forest were instrumental in the Eagles being ejected from the Europa League for breaching multi-club ownership regulations after the Reds contacted UEFA. However, Nuno insists that "narrative is not true" whilst expressing his belief that all will conduct themselves appropriately today.

"It's not going to happen," he stated regarding the possibility of trouble. "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.

"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 tenure at Forest remains under serious question after admitting on Friday "where there is smoke, there is fire" amid speculation that he faces the axe. Forest have firmly rejected suggestions they are seeking a replacement for the Portuguese manager, but his remarks have not been well received by the club's senior officials and they will continue to evaluate the situation beyond this weekend.

It remains uncertain whether Marinakis, who attended the City Ground for last week's season curtain-raiser, will be present for today's match. Meanwhile, Nuno has expressed optimism about the upgrades made to his squad over the past eight days, with four fresh recruits costing a combined £100m now ready to make their debuts today.

Midfielder Douglas Luiz represents the most recent addition, arriving on a season-long loan from Juventus, whilst England Under-21 talents Omari Hutchinson and James McAtee are poised to make their first appearances following substantial transfers from Ipswich and Manchester City.

Forward Arnaud Kalimuendo has also joined from Rennes to provide cover for Chris Wood, with Nuno declaring the squad "nearly complete" after previously stating he required reinforcements in every position except centre-back.

"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."

The former Spurs manager emphasised his enthusiasm about the attacking depth Forest can now utilise, having depended heavily on 20-goal New Zealand striker Wood last campaign.

"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."