Nottingham Forest fans had a January to forget before Deadline Day with the collapse of a takeover by a US consortium, no manager and no players.

But since the arrival of interim boss Gary Brazil, things have started to look a bit rosier for supporters with the signing of five new players which include Zach Clough and Ross McCormack and the Reds taking six points from a possible nine meaning they are now eight points away from the bottom three.

The East Midlands club welcome Aston Villa to the City Ground on Saturday evening; a team also boosted by the arrival of a number of new signings such as former Forest player Henri Lansbury. Conor Hourihane, Scott Hogan and many more.

Forest have won their last two home games and Villa's away form has been shambolic this season so interim boss Gary Brazil will be hopeful that his side can earn another three valuable points.

A few of the new signings could feature for the Reds and they will determined to showcase their talents in what is a big game for both sides.

FLW writer Harry Webster takes a look at the Nottingham Forest side that can defeat Aston Villa tomorrow...

GK- Stephen Henderson

Since his return back into the side, Henderson has been one of the key reasons why the Reds have started to pick up some more clean sheets and look much more resolute defensively.

Many were quick to point the finger at Henderson at the start of the season but he has silenced his critics over the month of January and has quickly become a fans' favourite at the City Ground.

RB- Eric Lichaj

The American has been one of the most consistent players for Forest this season with some exceptional performances.

The Reds have been through some tough spells so far this season and the right back has been one player who has continued to give his all for the the club.

His defensive solidarity as well as his ability to get forward and join in on the attack has been important for Forest this season and he will need to be at his best once again against his former club on Saturday evening.

CB- Jack Hobbs

Similarly to Henderson, since the return of Jack Hobbs Forest have been superb defensively.

On his day, the former Hull City and Leicester City man is one of the strongest defenders in the Championship and it is hugely important that Forest keep him fit.

His leadership and ability to put his body on the line is commendable and he will need a strong performance on Saturday to deny new Villa striker Scott Hogan and former Bristol City man Jonathan Kodjia.

CB- Danny Fox

The former Southampton defender, naturally a left back, played at centre back for the Reds at the end of last season and was somewhat impressive.

After the injury of captain Matt Mills, Fox has returned to the central position and has looked comfortable alongside Jack Hobbs but tomorrow will be a tough test for the 30-year-old.

LB- Dani Pinillos

Dani Pinillos' return from injury has been a massive boost for the East Midlands club.

Supporters will be hoping that the Reds can tie the Spaniard down to a new contract after a string of impressive performances since his return to the side.

Forest have lacked a quality left back for quite some time but in Pinillos they have certainly found one.

CDM- Michael Mancienne

The former Chelsea and Hamburg man has played just in front of the back four in the last few games and has been outstanding in every outing.

Mancienne's shielding of the back four and his ability to win the ball has been vital to the Reds and I fully expect him to resume his role there in Saturday's game.

RM- Jamie Ward

Loaning Jamie Ward to Burton Albion at the start of the season was arguably former boss Philippe Montanier's worst decision during his spell as manager.

Hard work, passion and an attacking threat is what Jamie Ward brings to the Nottingham Forest side and he will continue to be an important player for them for the remainder of the season.

CM- David Vaughan

David Vaughan is one of the most underrated players at the football club.

He may be getting older and struggling to play as many games as he used to, but there can be no denying that his ability to keep the ball and retain possession for his side is vital to the way the Reds play.

Vaughan will be up against his previous midfield partner in Henri Lansbury tomorrow and he will be determined to come out on top.

LM- Ben Osborn

The young midfielder has played the most games for Forest out of everyone this season and he is another example of a player who gives his everything for the club.

The 23-year-old is arguably better when playing behind the striker, but his work rate and ability on the ball is still very good when he plays on the left of midfield.

ST- Zach Clough

Clough's arrival from Bolton Wanderers on Deadline Day was a very impressive bit of business by interim boss Gary Brazil and he should make his debut against Villa on Saturday.

The 21-year-old has the potential to make a difference on Saturday and he will be keen to impress his new fans and manager.

It is likely that he will roam as a second striker and act as a play-maker for the Reds.

ST- Britt Assombalonga

Being back on the score sheet on Tuesday night is exactly the confidence boost that Assombalonga needed after a difficult spell with injuries.

It was always going to take time for the 24-year-old to get back to his best but he finally looks to be getting there which is a massive boost for Gary Brazil.

Assombalonga is a player who is desperate and hungry to score goals and he will be determined to score again against Aston Villa.

 

Nottingham Forest fans... Would you choose this starting 11? Should Zach Clough make his debut? Could any other players make their debut? Let us know what you think in the comments below!