Following the two-week international break, Forest make the trip to Wigan Athletic on Sunday looking to extend their 10-match unbeaten streak in the league.
Sitting joint-top of the table, it has been for Sabri Lamouchi’s men, and they will be out to ensure the fortnight’s respite has not disrupted any of their momentum.
And the Frenchman may well have a few more players to pick from when it comes to naming his XI against the Latics.
Prior to his team’s victory over Brentford last time out, Lamouchi said he hoped defender Michael Dawson (calf) would be in contention to face Wigan, while midfielders Ryan Yates (knee) and Alfa Semedo (back) were also said to be close to returns.
However, it is not yet known whether Samba Sow will be available, after he limped off with a hamstring problem against the Bees.
The Reds take on an Athletic side who sit in 19th place - but whose three Championship victories have all come on home turf.
They will not be easy opposition at the DW Stadium, by any means.
The visitors will still make the trip with confidence, having already picked up some impressive results on the road.
But who will make the starting XI? Here’s our predicted line-up…
Goalkeeper
A pretty straight-forward choice. Brice Samba has firmly established himself now as the No.1 and will take up position between the posts on Sunday.
Defence
With little alternative, Matty Cash will continue at right-back, but it will be a toss-up between Yuri Ribeiro and Jack Robinson on the left.
Lamouchi has switched between the two in recent games, though did play both at Blackburn Rovers, with Ribeiro starting in a more advanced position.
It didn’t exactly have the desired effect, though, and the Portuguese was back in a defensive role against Brentford, with Robinson on the bench. It wouldn’t be a surprise if that was the same again this weekend.
In the heart of the defence, Joe Worrall and Chema got the nod before the break, with Dawson sidelined.
But even if the latter is available, Forest will be careful not to rush him back into action.
Tobias Figueiredo is a solid option, but Chema did well when he played, so Lamouchi may be tempted to stick entirely with the same back line which kept a clean-sheet last time out.
Midfield
Much like, Dawson, the Reds will not want to take any risks with Sow, given his impact since making the move to the City Ground.
If he is ruled out, there are a few possibilities to replace him, though you would expect it is too soon for Yates, especially, or Semedo to come straight back in.
John Bostock hasn’t had a great deal of game time, but could be in contention to feature alongside Ben Watson, if Lamouchi looks to stick with two players tasked with holding roles.
Further up the pitch, there’s also plenty of competition for places.
Joe Lolley, Joao Carvalho and Tiago Silva started against Brentford, but Lamouchi could look to mix things up a bit, perhaps bringing in Albert Adomah or Sammy Ameobi.
Attack
Much like between the posts, it’s easy to predict who will get the nod up front: Lewis Grabban.
Rafa Mir made his comeback from injury before the break, but will almost certainly be on the bench again at Wigan.
Predicted Forest XI: Samba, Cash, Worrall, Chema, Ribeiro, Watson, Bostock, Adomah, Carvalho, Lolley, Grabban.
