Nottingham Forest clash with Derby on Sunday as Montanier's men look to extend their winning run to four games, and move to within one point of their local rivals.

Three games ago, Forest were looking over their shoulder, cautious of dropping into the bottom three, but their up turn in form has lead to the Forest faithful dreaming of a return to the top flight.

Montanier's three at the back system seems to be working wonders for Forest and since he adjusted the personnel, putting Thomas Lam into the midfield, Forest seem to be playing even better.

Forest go into this game on the back of a 2-1 victory over the league leaders, Newcastle United, on Friday night which saw them move to within six points of the Play-Offs; certainly an achievable target if they can continue their fine form.

If Montanier plays this eleven on Sunday, Forest will claim local bragging rights over Derby County....

 

GK: Vladimir Stojković

vladimir-stojkovicdsssd

 Stojkovic joined Forest from Maccabi Haifa in the summer, and he has been a near ever present at The City Ground so far this season.

Stojkovic only has one clean sheet to his name this season, which came against Ipswich, so this will be something he is looking to improve on come Sunday.

This is Stojkovic's second spell in England after a brief spell on loan at Wigan Athletic in the Premier League back in 2010.

The Serbian international is a great shot stopper and his performances so far this season have probably warranted more clean sheets that he has.

CB: Matt Mills

matt-millsddd

Mills arrived at The City Ground at the beginning of last season from Bolton Wanderers, where he reunited with former boss, Dougie Freedman.

The former England u19 international is a great defender in open play and is great to have in both boxes for set pieces.

He showed this last year, scoring five goals, and impressive record for a centre back.

He will have to organise the back three well on Saturday if they are to keep Derby's front three at bay.

CB: Damien Perquis

Damien PerquisDamien Perquisk

Perquis brings some much needed experience into the Forest back three alongside Matt Mills, and at the heart of the defensive trio, he has had them organised in recent weeks.

Perquis is an out and out defender who will do anything to deny a goal.

He will have to show this on Sunday, with Forest likely to be up against it for most of the game, his defensive qualities will be prevalent.

CB: Michael Mancienne

michael-manciennemichael-mancienne

 Mancienne has filled in at right wing back in recent weeks in Eric Lichaj's absence, but since the American has returned, Mancienne is likely to return to his natural position of centre back.

The former Chelsea youngster will have to be on top of his game on Sunday to help marshal Derby's attacking trio.

He may find himself up against Darren Bent, and if he can keep him off the score sheet, he will give Forest a platform to go and win the game.

 

RWB: Eric Lichaj

lichajjj89

 The American impressed at wing back on Friday night against, which should be enough for him to retain his place for Sunday's crunch game.

Lichaj loves to get forward and his energy down the right definitely suits the wing back role.

He is defensively solid as well as being able to provide quality into the box.

He will have to get back quickly on Sunday to make sure the back three don't get caught in a 3v3 situation against Derby's attacking trio.

 

CM: Thomas Lam

Thomas LamThomas Lam

 Lam has made a huge difference for Forest since taking over the holding midfield role.

This has allowed Lansbury to move forward and impact more on the game and this is largely due to Lam's role.

He is willing to sit in and shield the back five, which is such an important role that he is doing so well.

Lam is also comfortable in possession and he almost acts like a quarterback at times, spraying passes across the pitch.

CM: Henri Lansbury

henri-lansburyhenri-lansburyd

 

Lansbury once again impressed on Friday night, following up his hat-trick against Barnsley with another good performance.

His energy in midfield is certainly a huge factor in Forest's success.

Since Thomas Lam has come into the team at holding midfield, it has given Lansbury more of a free role.

This is arguably his best role, which has shown, given his upturn in performances in recent weeks.

CM: Pajtim Kasami

kasami

 Kasami has become more of an attacking threat for Forest in recent weeks, again, largely due to Thomas Lam taking over the holding midfield role.

This is where Kasami is at his best, driving at defences and trying to unlock them and creating chances for himself and team mates.

Kasami didn't set the world alight at the beginning of the season, but he has rediscovered some form, as Forest approach a crucial time in their season.

 

LWB: Matty Cash

=
=

 The youngster has been put into the team at wing back by Montanier and he certainly hasn't let his manager down, producing and solid performance against Newcastle.

Similar to Lichaj, Cash provides Forest with energy up and down the wing and the hard work to get back into his position, which is why he might get the nod on Sunday.

He will have to be cautious that he doesn't venture too far forward and forget about Derby's winger.

CAM: Ben Osborn

Ben Osborn

 Osborn has taken over the role behind the Forest striker and he has excelled there.

He has found that he can have more of an impact on the game there from the centre of the pitch than he did playing on the wing.

At times when he played out wide, he often found himself isolated and without the ball.

This central role allows him to be more involved in the game, exactly what Forest want because he is one of their main attacking threats.

ST: Britt Assombalonga

assombalongaassombalongam

Nicklas Bendtner could maybe feel hard done by to miss out on Sunday but Assombalonga does offer more of a goal threat.

On Sunday, chances for Forest are likely to be few and far between, so the first one that comes along needs to be buried and Assombalonga is more likely to do that than Bendtner.

If Forest are to win the game, Assombalonga is likely to be on the score sheet.