Nottingham Forest take on Middlesbrough this weekend in the Sky Bet Championship as Aitor Karanka faces his former side.

The Spaniard will surely still have fond memories of his time at Boro - despite it ending in a sacking - and he'll likely be greeted in a pleasant fashion by some familiar faces.

However, his focus is now firmly trained on his new side in red and it's safe to say that so far things have seemed promising under him at the City Ground.

There's still work to do, of course, but it's looking upbeat right now and if they can beat Boro the confidence will only increase for next season.

With that said, then, let's take a look at the XI we think the Reds might just employ to try and get the three points against the play-off contenders...

Costel Pantilimon has shut a few critics up with his performances at Forest and fans will hope that continues.

Tendayi Darikwa is becoming a powerful asset down the right and will surely stay in the side.

Tobias Figueiredo has been a top signing on loan. He's an important one to try and get on a permanent deal.

Danny Fox signed a new deal earlier this week and now needs to show that that was warranted after a good chain of displays.

Ben Osborn remains at left-back for this one.

Jack Colback will likely be in midfield again alongside his usual central partner...

Ben Watson has woven himself into the fabric of Forest's side and looks a vital cog in the machine.

Joe Lolley could go down either wing in truth and swap with the man we've put on the left.

Lee Tomlin is in the middle of the attacking midfield three, though, and will look to get one over Boro.

Matty Cash is a possibility to go down the left. He's enjoying his time under Karanka.

Ben Brereton could start with Apostolos Vellios missing out for this one.