Nottingham Forest get their 2018/19 season underway with a tricky away fixture against Bristol City.

After a heavy summer of spending, the Reds travel to Ashton Gate where they face Lee Johnson's well-drilled Bristol City side.

Last season, Nottingham Forest had to settle for a lower mid-table finish but the fans are full of optimism heading into the new season after an impressive summer of transfer business.

Bristol City, on the other hand, were competing for promotion for most of last season and some poor form in the second half of the season ultimately cost them a place in the top six.

With Aden Flint and Bobby Reid among the departing players this summer, Johnson has had to rebuild his squad ahead of this campaign.

Ahead of the clash between Bristol City and Nottingham Forest, here are four things that fans are likely to be talking about.

Bristol City have lost their top scorer in Reid and their leader and most solid defender in Flint.

Can the Robins deal without these players? The opening game will give us a good indication of whether Johnson needs to do some late business in the transfer window.

Forest have made some exciting attacking signings but who does Karanka opt to start?

Does Lewis Grabban get the nod ahead of Hillal Soudani, Ben Brereton and Daryl Murphy because of his goal record in the Championship last season?

In attacking midfield, does Karanka immediately demote the likes of Matty Cash and Joe Lolley to the bench in favour of the impressive Gil Dias, record-signing Joao Carvalho and Portuguese wide man Diogo Goncalves?

Bristol City have made some good signings on paper but whether they will succeed is yet to be seen.

Mo Eisa needs to adapt to a higher level of football to replace Reid's goals, Marley Watkins, Andi Weimann and Hakeeb Adelakun will be hoping to impress out wide, and Adam Webster and Jack Hunt could add solidity at the back or struggle to slot in at first.

Many are tipping Forest for glory this season after an impressive summer of spending.

We'll get an early indication of whether they can compete at the top this weekend as they prepare for a tricky test against Bristol City, and we can see whether their new signings are gelling early.