Following an excellent start to the season which saw them win three of their opening four fixtures, Nottingham Forest’s form has wavered, with Mark Warburton’s men picking up just one win in five.
Defeat on Tuesday at home to Fulham will have come as a disappointment to the former Rangers boss, who will look to bounce back with a win when Sheffield United visit the East Midlands this weekend.
Chris Wilder’s side are in electric form, and enter the game having won six of their last seven matches, including back-to-back wins over Sheffield Wednesday and Wolves.
It could be a tight affair at the City Ground, but expect a winner, with neither side yet to draw in the league this season.
Warburton will seek a win, and should consider deploying this starting XI against Wilder’s men on Saturday afternoon…
Jordan Smith retains his place in goal, with the youngster having proven an instant success since breaking into the first team at the start of the season.
Warburton is likely to persist with a back three to counter the threat of Leon Clarke and Billy Sharp, with Joe Worrall joined in the middle by Michael Mancienne and Matt Mills.
On the flanks, expect to see Tendayi Darikwa and Armand Traore, with the impressive Liam Bridcutt joined in the middle by academy graduate Ben Osborn.
Barry McKay should come back into the starting line-up having sat on the bench on Tuesday evening, replacing £900,000 rated forward Jason Cummings in the starting XI.
On the other flank, sensational Everton loanee Kieran Dowell will continue his role as creator extraordinaire, with the youngster lighting up the City Ground since his arrival in the summer.
Powerful forward Daryl Murphy should lead the line, with his big presence upfront required to counter the physical nature of the Blades central defenders, which includes the consistent Jack O’Connell.
In what will be an entertaining encounter in Nottingham, a result is difficult to predict, but Sheffield United surely enter the match as favourites following their remarkable start to the new season.
Warburton needs a win, and will target one in front of the Forest faithful at the City Ground on Saturday afternoon.
Forest fans, any changes you would make to this XI? Have your say below...