It has certainly been a week to forget for Nottingham Forest fans with the collapse of the takeover by a US consortium led by John Jay Moores, the sacking of Philippe Montanier with no immediate news of a replacement and no players signed so far in the transfer window. 

The Reds are in desperate need for some positive news and caretaker boss Gary Brazil and his assistant Jack Lester will be hoping that they can give the supporters something to shout about when Bristol City travel to the City Ground on Saturday afternoon in what is a huge game for both clubs.

The East Midlands club will be without club captain Henri Lansbury, with a move to Championship rivals Aston Villa imminent.

After a 0-0 draw at Birmingham City last weekend, the Reds finally looked to have found some defensive solidarity over the 90 minutes.

Nonetheless, with Montanier choosing to adopt a 5-3-1 formation in recent times, both Brazil and Lester may chose to go back to basics with a 4-4-2 formation with players playing in their natural positions.

So here is the side the Brazil must field to beat Bristol City on Saturday...

GK- Stephen Henderson

Since replacing Vladimir Stojkovic between the sticks, Henderson has looked much more comfortable in comparison to his first few games at the start of the season.

His organisation has been excellent in recent weeks and he played a key role in the Reds' clean sheet at Birmingham City last weekend.

The former Charlton and West Ham stopper will be hoping he can secure another clean sheet again on Saturday.

RB- Eric Lichaj

Lichaj has been playing at left back in recent weeks and despite it not being his natural position, he has been superb for the Reds.

His passion, work rate and commitment to the cause is commendable and he will need to continue this if the Reds want to stay in the Championship.

The American will welcome the chance to return back to his natural position with players returning from injury to give more options at left back.

CB- Matt Mills

The former Leicester City captain has faced criticism at times this season but he was back to his best at St Andrew's last Saturday.

Mills used his experience to contain the aerial threat of Blues striker Lukas Jutkiewicz and both he and Jack Hobbs looked reasonably comfortable all game at the heart of the back four.

Tammy Abraham will pose a different challenge for Mills on Saturday and he will need to put in another strong performance to deny the Chelsea loanee.

CB- Jack Hobbs

It remains a mystery as to why former boss Philippe Montanier did not include Jack Hobbs at a time where the Reds couldn't buy a clean sheet during the first half of the season.

On his day, the former Hull City man is easily one of the strongest defenders in the Championship and Forest look so much better with him in the side.

Both him and Mills need another big performance on Saturday.

LB- Dani Pinillos

The Spaniard has been troubled with persistent injury problems in recent times but finally looks to be back to full fitness which is a timely boost for the Reds.

Pinillos' pace, skill and defensive attributes make him a reliable and consistent left back which is something Forest have missed since his lengthy lay off.

RM- Hildeberto Pereira

The youngster has played at right back, centre midfield, right midfield and behind the striker so far this season and provides great versatility.

Pereira's pace, flair and skill suits the right midfield position perfectly and the Bristol City left back could be in for a torrid afternoon if the 20-year-old plays well there.

CM- Matty Cash

The academy graduate has been playing at right wing back under Montanier and although he was done well considering it is not his natural position, Forest miss his energy and creativity in the centre of midfield.

At only 19-years-old, his work rate and passion for the club is phenomenal and this is something that he will need to maintain if the Reds have a chance of staying in the division.

A great player who could be a game changer when played in his natural position.

CM- David Vaughan

Vaughan has struggled to play consistently this season but when he does he has been impressive.

The Welshman's composure on the ball and ability to start the play from the back keeps Forest ticking and alongside Matty Cash, Forest could have a well balanced central midfield on Saturday.

Thomas Lam impressed last week at Birmingham but Forest will need to keep the ball and attack against Bristol City and by playing Vaughan they can do this.

LM- Ben Osborn

In what has been a poor season so far, Osborn has been one of the standout players for Forest so far.

Like Matty Cash, Osborn offers a high work rate, energy and skill on the ball as well as good service for the strikers.

The academy graduate does play better behind the striker but wherever he is played he will give his all for Forest and this will undoubtedly continue on Saturday afternoon.

ST- Britt Assombalonga

Since his most recent injury Assombalonga has not looked his usual self with the forward criticised as being lazy by some supporters in the last couple of games.

However, there is no denying that if the 24-year-old gets the opportunities then he can punish opposition sides with his natural goal-scoring ability.

Assombalonga is due a goal and Saturday would be the perfect time to do it.

ST - Apostolos Vellios

Surprisingly, the Greek international was left out of the match day squad against Birmingham City last weekend despite being the club's joint top goalscorer with six goals.

Both Vellios and Assombalonga are yet to form a partnership as of yet and if both can find some form then this could be a very dangerous attacking arsenal.

The Reds need goals to stay in the Championship and Vellios could be the man to supply them.

 

Nottingham Forest fans... Can the Reds end a torrid week with a win against Bristol City? What will Gary Brazil and Jack Lester bring to the side? Is this the XI that you would start? Let us know what you think in the comments below!