Nuno Espirito Santo will play his former club, Wolverhampton Wanderers, at Molineux on Monday night.
The Reds drew 1-1 with Wolves in the reverse meeting in August, but the West Midlanders were a very different animal under Gary O’Neil.
Wolves appeared to be in serious danger of relegation under their previous manager, but they have won twice and drawn once since Vitor Pereira arrived.
With Chelsea and Arsenal missing points this weekend, the game gives an excellent opportunity for Forest to consolidate their status in the Premier League’s top four.
Espirito Santo has received plaudits from Jamie Redknapp this season, and the perception of Forest under his leadership is changing dramatically.
Chris Sutton gives predictions for Nottingham Forest’s trip to Wolves.
The Reds will go to Molineux full of confidence, having won five straight games since a 3-0 loss to Manchester City at the beginning of December.
With all in mind, this seems like another highly winnable away game for Forest on Monday night.
Chris Sutton predicted a draw for Forest’s previous match against Everton.
However, he believes Forest will be on the right side of another three points on Monday Night Football tomorrow.
He told BBC Sport: “I was wrong when I predicted Forest would draw at Everton last time, so this time I am going to back them to win all three points.”
“As I’ve already stated, Forest were my boyhood team, and it’s terrific to see them doing so well.
“It’s like the late 1970s again, with them and Liverpool competing at the top of the league. Following this game, their next league fixture will be against each other, with Forest hoping to complete the double after winning at Anfield in September.
“Being honest, I don’t see Forest staying at the top of the table for too much longer, but most of my predictions have been so bad this season so that is probably good news for them.”
Sutton backed up his statements with a 1-0 victory for the Reds over Wolves on Monday.
Forest take hope into the Wolves game on Monday.
There isn’t a good time to play Forest right now, and despite Wolves’ improvement, the Reds will enjoy their chances.
Espirito Santo has the team playing well, with slick counter-attacking football mixed with a strong backline.
Sutton is perhaps correct in predicting that Forest would falter at some time, but the team currently has a solid foundation to build on this season.
The Reds will believe that beating Wolves is within their grasp, and if they can do so, the game against Liverpool in just over a week looks like a must-win.
