Nottingham Forest welcome Preston North End to the City Ground on Wednesday night, in desperate need of a win to erase the memories of their torrid derby day defeat to Derby County on Sunday.

The Reds were comfortably beaten by their East Midlands rivals on Sunday losing 3-0, but a win on Wednesday night against Preston will be exactly what Philippe Montanier and his side need to start pushing up the table once again.

There were too many players who simply did not give enough to the cause on Sunday and Montanier is likely to make changes to the side that were beaten with ease by their fierce rivals.

Preston will provide another stern test for the Reds who sit in 12th place in the table, a side also buoyed by their derby victory against Blackburn Rovers at the weekend.

So here is the Nottingham Forest XI that can defeat Preston on Wednesday night....

 

GK - Vladimir Stojkovic

vladimir-stojkovicdsssd

There was little that Stojkovic could do with any of the goals conceded in Sunday's defeat with his defence simply not doing enough to help him.

Nonetheless, after only one clean sheet this season, some Forest fans are already questioning whether the Serbian international should be the number one goalkeeper at the club.

A clean sheet and a win on Wednesday is exactly what Stojkovic needs to restore some confidence not only for himself but with the fans.

 

RWB - Hildeberto Pereira

Hildeberto PereiraHildeberto Pereiracvb

Pereira made his return to the squad on Sunday and arguably showed more effort in those mere 20 minutes than a number of Forest players.

His pace, flair and ability to join in on the the attack will suit Forest's 3-5-1-1 formation down to the ground and he could be the man to spark a fight back on Wednesday afternoon.

Pereira's return is a timely one and he will be determined to impress the City Ground faithful after a difficult result at the weekend.

RCB - Michael Mancienne

michael-manciennemichael-mancienne

The former Hamburg defender was one of Forest's strongest defenders on Sunday despite the defeat and must start on Wednesday night.

Mancienne was one a of a small few who look like they cared on Sunday and defended commendably at times against a talented Derby attacking arsenal.

Another solid performance by Mancienne will be needed against Preston.

CB - Matt Mills

matt-millsddd

One of the most experienced defenders at Championship level, Mills will know how to respond from a derby day defeat.

The former Leicester City man took the captains armband in the absence of Henri Lansbury on Sunday and is expected to retain it should Lansbury miss out once again.

Mills needs to be a leader in that back five on Wednesday night to ensure the Reds get a result.

LCB - Joe Worrall

mitre555222

The young defender was unlucky to miss out on Sunday, after suffering a concussion the week before forcing him to miss their win over Newcastle United.

When Worrall has played for the Reds they have looked much more solid across the entire back five and his no nonsence style has been sorely missed.

The 19-year-old should replace Perquis who has struggled in recent times and simply did not give enough in the East Midlands derby.

LWB - Armand Traore

Armand TraoreArmand Traorev

Montanier may choose to go with Eric Lichaj on Wednesday night but Traore should be the man to start.

Not only is Traore strong in the tackle and can defend well, his role in the Forest attack where he can whip in crosses and even use his pace to run at the opposition full back is something the Reds should utilise more.

Lichaj is a strong player, but the right side is his natural position and at times he simply doesn't look comfortable playing on the left.

CM - David Vaughan

david-vaughandd

Many questioned why Montanier did not bring on Vaughan earlier on Sunday whilst some have even questioned why he isn't starting every week.

When David Vaughan is at his best, you will struggle to find a better holding midfielder in the division.

The 33-year-old's passing range and ability to help play from the back makes Forest tick and he simply must start on Wednesday instead of Thomas Lam.

RCM - Matty Cash

Nottingham Forest’s Matty Cash celebrates after the game

The 19-year-old was the only player to show any real passion and effort on Sunday and therefore he must start on Wednesday.

Despite playing at full back in recent weeks, with Lansbury out injured, Cash should return back to his natural position in centre midfield and try and cement his place in the heart of the midfield.

The youngster has big boots to full but he undoubtedly has the quality to be a match winner for Forest on Wednesday night.

LCM - Pajtim Kasami

Derby's Marcus Olsson in action with Nottingham Forest's Patjim Kasami

Many would say that Kasami does not even deserve to be on the bench on Wednesday night after his shocking performance at the weekend, but Wednesday night is his biggest game in a red shirt since his arrival.

The 24-year-old has not hit the heights expected since his arrival on loan in the summer and he needs to prove to the Forest fans that he has the quality to make a difference in this side.

A huge performance is needed to revive a loan spell that is quickly going from bad to worse.

CAM - Ben Osborn

Derby County's Chris Baird in action with Nottingham Forest's Ben Osborn

The injury to Henri Lansbury meant that Osborn could not play his role behind the striker on Sunday, a role that has brought him numerous plaudits in recent weeks.

He may have struggled, but the 22-year-old was one of the small few that tried to get something going for Forest and he needs to do that again on Wednesday.

A key player for Philippe Montanier.

ST - Apostolos Vellios

velliosvelliosvelliosv

Britt Assombalonga is likely to miss out once again as he continues to battle against persistent hamstring troubles so Vellios should lead the line against Preston.

Nicklas Bendtner's horror performance on Sunday means the Greek international should start as he aims to build on his six goals already this season.

Nottingham Forest fans... Would you be happy with this starting XI? Does anyone not deserve a start after Sunday's torrid performance? Let us know what you think in the comments below!