Nottingham Forest face Barnsley tonight in a massive game for their opponents.

Forest welcome Barnsley to The City Ground tonight knowing that the visitors are desperate for a win in their hunt safety.

It will be a tough game for Aitor Karanka's side, who are already in the safety of mid-table.

A victory would not even see them move up a place so with little to play for but pride, Karanka will be hoping that his players are keen to prove a point this evening.

The Reds will be without key defender Tobias Figueiredo, who has really shored up the defence since his arrival.

He came off against Cardiff in Saturday evening's Championship clash in South Wales and will not be fit in time to face the Tykes tonight.

With that injury news in mind, this is the XI that we expect Nottingham Forest manager Aitor Karanka to field tonight.

Costel Pantilimon is fit again and could return between the sticks.

However, Karanka may not risk the towering Romanian and instead keep faith with Stefanos Kapino.

Eric Lichaj is likely to retain his place at right back in this side.

The American defender has struggled with his form this season but he always gives 100%.

With Figueiredo out injured, Michael Mancienne is probably going to replace him.

This will not be a popular decision among Nottingham Forest fans, who feel that Mancienne has been awful this season, but there is little alternative with Joe Worrall also ruled out.

Karanka has moved Danny Fox from left back to centre back and it has had mixed success.

The 31-year-old still makes mistakes but Forest fans will be hoping he can keep Tom Bradshaw, Oli McBurnie and Kieffer Moore quiet.

Ben Osborn has been deployed out of position at left back recently.

You can expect the versatile player to continue in this role despite naturally being more suited to midfield.

Watson joined in January and he has added some much needed experience to Nottingham Forest's midfield.

The 32-year-old is expected to keep his place, unless Karanka wants to use Kieran Dowell as a more attacking option.

Liam Bridcutt scored against Cardiff and he will keep his place in the side.

The former Leeds man brings energy to the midfield and that might be needed with Barnsley coming out all guns blazing.

Jack Colback was another January addition who has improved Forest's midfield.

The Newcastle midfielder is experienced at this level and is favoured by Karanka over his other midfield options.

Nottingham Forest youngster Matty Cash is a regular in the first team and will probably continue on the right hand side.

The 20-year-old has been chased by Premier League clubs in the past and he has had a decent season in red.

Daryl Murphy is back in contention for a starting spot and Karanka might choose him over Ben Brereton.

Brereton has come under fire a lot this season and fans need to remember that he is still just 18 and learning - but taking him out of the firing line and giving Murphy a go is definitely the sensible idea.

Joe Lolley was another January addition who has improved Nottingham Forest's squad.

The former Huddersfield Town winger provides creativity, energy and a real goal threat.