Nottingham Forest host Bristol City at the City Ground today in what proves to be a thriller.

Both teams have their eyes firmly set on the play-offs, with Forest able to leapfrog Bristol City with a win today.

Lee Johnson’s men have been the surprise of the Christmas period, turning their season into one where they could challenge for promotion, after an average first few months.

As for Forest, Martin O’Neill will take charge of his first game following the departure of Aitor Karanka.

The ex-Ireland boss returns to the club he made his name as a player, and will be looking to emulate the successes - although to achieve just a quarter of what he did at the club as a player will be a huge success.

Here, we look at THREE things we expect in this clash today...

Fast start for Forest

With the new boss Martin O’Neill returning to the City Ground as a manager, expect the atmosphere to be lively.

The first chorus of ‘Mull of Kintyre’ will ring around the stadium, and the buzz could rub off on the players.

For this, we’d expect a fast start for the home side, who are looking to impress their new boss.

Forest tighter at the back 

 

As is always the case when a managerial change happens, we’d expect a bit of ‘new manager effect’ here, with Forest defending better than usual.

The Reds lost last time out at Reading, so will be a bit low on numbers due to both suspensions and ongoing injuries, but we’d expect them to be fairly solid.

Martin O’Neill’s sides are notoriously hard to beat, and his ideas may have rubbed off on Forest already.

Bristol City going for win

The Robins are in seventh in the table, and a win could take them into the top six, providing Derby lose at Reading - which may be unlikely, but the Royals enter the game with confidence.

Lee Johnson’s side will look to continue their good form in this game, and will certainly go for the win, noting Forest’s shoe-string back four.