The third international break of the season sees Nottingham Forest sitting three points off the automatic promotion places in the Sky Bet Championship table.

The Reds have made a hugely impressive start to the season under Sabri Lamouchi, and occupy fifth spot in the league standings after winning eight of their opening 15 matches.

Forest are starting to look like real promotion contenders - they look very tough to beat, and have found their clinical, ruthless edge in front of goal in recent weeks.

The break has allowed players to rest and recuperate ahead of what is looking likely to be a hectic winter period, where games come thick and fast.

For Lamouchi, it will be all about analysing their next opponents, as well as potentially casting one eye on the January transfer window and potential transfer targets.

But plenty of players have enjoyed a spot of downtime before they return to league action next weekend, with Joao Carvalho and Alfa Semedo sightseeing around the capital.

Carvalho has found himself out of the team in recent weeks. with Tiago Silva being selected to play in the number 10 position ahead of his Portuguese compatriot.

Semedo, meanwhile, will be looking to make a return from injury this weekend, having been ruled out of action with a back injury since the end of September.

The Verdict

This international break has perhaps come at the wrong time for Forest, who have been on a very impressive run of late.

Sabri Lamouchi's side will definitely be up there come the end of the season, as they are looking like such a well-drilled, organised, solid unit.

With the likes of Samba Sow and Alfa Semedo looking set to return, Forest are just getting stronger and stronger right now.