Nottingham Forest will be without Matt Mills and Hildeberto Pereira for the Championship encounter with Cardiff City.
Nottingham Forest will hope to return to winning ways on Saturday evening after a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Blackburn Rovers in midweek.
Prior to their loss at Ewood Park, Forest manager Philippe Montanier would have been delighted with his side’s energetic performance as they swept aside Birmingham City 3-1 to temporarily end a poor run of form – which now sees them in 17th position in the Championship.
To compound tough-tackling Forest‘s recent inconsistencies, Montanier will have to manage without suspended duo Matt Mills and Hildeberto Pereira.
Defender Mills, who has been an important part of Forest’s back line, is likely to be replaced by Michael Mancienne alongside fellow centre-back Damien Perquis.
Forest fans will also miss the popular Pereira, who has been sent off twice already this season, as he serves the first of a two-game ban after his dismissal against Blackburn Rovers.
Pereira’s replacement is likely to be Danny Fox, with American Eric Lichaj switching to his more natural right-back role – although Armand Traore may get the nod over Fox. Goalkeeper Vladimir Stojkovic will complete the Forest defensive unit.
In midfield, Forest have concerns over the fitness of Mustapha Carayol and David Vaughan but remain hopeful that both will start against Cardiff, with Vaughan being partnered by club captain Chris Cohen in central midfield. Ben Osborn looks likely to start on the left side, with Henri Lansbury freed up to support lone forward Apostolos Vellios.
Vellios has enjoyed a pleasing goal return this season and has been a more than effective replacement for the injured Nicklas Bendtner.
However, the Greek international now has strong competition for a starting role from Brit Assombalonga – who played 15 minutes against Blackburn Rovers on his return from a long injury lay-off. The reality though is that Assombalonga will likely continue his search for fitness by gaining time off the bench.
Nottingham Forest predicted line-up v Cardiff City
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