Nottingham Forest head into this weekend’s clash with Stoke City on the back of an impressive win over Sheffield United last time out.

That victory was just Forest’s third in their last six matches and extended a small unbeaten run to three games. 

Aitor Karanka’s men are currently sixth in the division on 26 points and are just four points of league leaders Leeds.

This weekend marks the last round of matches before the final international break of the calendar year with teams in the top two tiers jockeying for position ahead of two-weeks without domestic competition.

The result of this weekend’s match will set the tone for the fortnight off and impact the approach taken to improve on the previous clutch of fixtures.

With injuries, players out of form or the need to make small alternations to help improve their side, the Tricky Trees' boss will surely be considering his team for Saturday.

With that said, here are two changes Karanka should consider making to his Forest side ahead of this weekend’s clash with the Potters.

Nottingham Forest’s 17th signing of the summer and their fifth striker could well make his first start this weekend ahead of the international break.

Aitor Karanka is one to tinker and change his side up regardless of their previous result.

So the Iranian striker could come into the team to make his full debut at the expense of Lewis Grabban ahead of the final fixture before the international break.

Matty Cash started in Gil Dias’ place, but that could mean the attacker is restored this weekend ahead of the clash against Stoke City.

The 22-year-old has been a bit part payer in the last two league matches, but with Aitor Karanka keen to continually rotate his side, he could well be in for a start ahead of Cash.

Dias has struggled to settle into life at Forest, but more regular starts could help him bed in faster.