Nottingham Forest play host to Aston Villa on Saturday evening, in what is a crunch math for both sides, as Forest seek three points to pull them away from the drop zone.

Three points over Villa on Saturday could potentially propel Forest towards the top half of the table and move them level on points with Saturday's opposition.

Forest caretaker boss Gary Brazil takes on the challenge on Saturday after winning two of his three games in temporary charge and he will be seeking back to back wins at the weekend.

Brazil had the latter stages of the transfer window to strengthen his squad and he brought in five players - the most notable addition is Ross McCormack, who unfortunately won't be able to play on Saturday.

The lure of being able to pull themselves away from the bottom three will be a huge motivation to Forest players and Gary Brazil and they can certainly do so if Brazil fields the right team.

Here, I will look at 2 players who Gary Brazil must start on Saturday...

Zach Clough

Clough was a deadline day arrival at the City Ground from Bolton and he should be thrown straight into the mix come Saturday.

Clough was one of League One's most creative players and he may prove to be a huge player for Forest as the season grows older if they are to beat the drop.

Villa's defensive frailties have been clear for all to see this season and Clough could be the man to exploit them on Saturday and help claim all three points for Forest.

Ben Osborn

Osborn has come through the youth ranks at the City Ground and gone on to notch up over 100 appearances for Forest in his first three years of first team football.

Osborn was on target against Bristol City in Brazil's first game in charge, scoring the decisive goal in Forest's 1-0 victory over the Robins and he will hope to be on the score sheet again on Saturday.

Similarly to Clough, Osborn will be out to exploit Villa's defensive weaknesses and he will be a key creative force for Forest and no doubt difficult for Villa to keep tabs on.

Nottingham Forest fans - would you like to see Osborn and Clough starting? What are your score predictions? Let us know in the comments below...