Nottingham Forest welcome Wolverhampton Wanderers to the City Ground on Saturday afternoon, with both sides in desperate need of a win to help them push up the table.

Despite a shocking first half performance, the Reds were unlucky not to beat Preston on Tuesday night where they could only manage a 1-1 draw.

Forest boss Philippe Montanier has favoured the 3-5-1-1 formation in recent weeks but after a re-shuffle at half time his side looked much more dangerous playing in, with four at the back and four in midfield.

Whether the Frenchman goes with this formation on Saturday is yet to be seen but the Reds certainly looked better when playing in this shape.

Wolves are on a torrid run of form at late, only two points away from the bottom three, so will be determined to secure a result to help relieve some pressure.

So here is the Nottingham Forest side that Montanier should field to beat Wolves on Saturday...

 

GK - Vladimir Stojkovic

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Despite the Serbian international only picking up one clean sheet this season, he arguably had one of his best games playing for Forest on Tuesday night.

If it wasn't for the 33-year-old the Reds could have been embarrassed against Simon Grayson's side, pulling off a number of crucial saves to keep his side in the match.

He may not have kept a clean sheet, but his man of the match performance will be a timely confidence boost.

RB - Eric Lichaj

Darren Bent of Derby County reacts to referee Christopher Kavanagh after a foul on Eric Lichaj of Nottingham Forest

The American revealed that he doesn't mind playing on the right or left side of defence despite being a right back, but his performances suggest that he is so much better playing in his natural position.

His ability to join in on the attack whilst remaining defensively strong is important for the Reds and he is definitely a key player for them.

CB - Matt Mills

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Matt Mills' experience is invaluable to this Nottingham Forest side, especially when playing alongside the youngster Joe Worrall.

He may have the odd mistake in his game, but his leadership and passion in a red shirt whilst standing in as captain is superb and he will be determined to secure a second clean sheet of the season when Wolves arrive at the City Ground on Saturday.

CB - Joe Worrall

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The youngster made his return to the starting line up on Tuesday evening, and is quickly establishing himself as an important figure in the heart of the Nottingham Forest defence.

His no nonsense style of defending is effective and he will need to forge a strong partnership, with Matt Mills in the centre of defence to deny a determined Wolves attack on Saturday.

LB - Armand Traore

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Traore has been missed in the Forest back five in recent weeks both in attack and in defence.

The former QPR man undoubtedly made a difference when he came on at half time and his introduction meant Philippe Montanier could change the formation and get things going for Forest.

On too many occasions many players have been square pegs in round holes but Traore and Lichaj in their natural full back positions will only bring better things for the Reds.

CDM - Thomas Lam

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Lam's biggest problem this season is consistency with the Finland international struggling to string a number of strong performances together.

On his day, Lam's protection of the back four or five and his determination to defend is impressive and it is time that the 22-year-old started doing this every week.

RM - Hildeberto Pereira

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Ever since he arrived at the City Ground, Forest fans have been crying out for Philippe Montanier to play the youngster on the wing and he finally did it in the second half against Preston.

Pereira's pace, flair and skill is much more suited to the right wing position and it is only a matter of time before he makes a difference in this Forest side.

CM - Matty Cash

Nottingham Forest’s Matty Cash celebrates after the game

Like many players in the Forest side, Cash is another player who is far better when playing in his natural position of centre midfield.

The youngsters flair and creativity in the centre of the park is excellent, and if he can start adding a few goals and assists to his name he will give himself a good chance of securing a more permanent place in the Nottingham Forest team.

LM - Ben Osborn

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

Osborn has been one of the standout players for Forest this season and has really made a difference when playing behind the striker.

In this formation, the 22-year-old will have to resort back to his previous position on the left, though he will still bring energy into the Forest attack.

In this position, expect Osborn to roam around on the left and behind the striker to get things going for Forest.

ST- Apostolos Vellios

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Another player who changed the game against Preston when he came on was the Greek international Apostolos Vellios.

Nicklas Bendtner has struggled to find any real form in the last two games whereas Vellios looked likely and dangerous on Tuesday evening.

Vellios is Forest's joint top scorer with six goals and he will want to add to this against Wolves.

Nottingham Forest fans... Would you start this team on Saturday? Should Montanier go with this formation? Let us know what you think in the comments below!