Nottingham Forest have made a strong start to the season and many fans will be confident of their side challenging for a play-off place by the end of the campaign. 

Aitor Karanka has a considerable amount of options in attacking positions and they were bolstered further by the signing of Karim Ansarifard earlier this month.

The Iranian international made his debut as a substitute against Sheffield United as the Reds ran out narrow 1-0 winners, but he's yet to start a game.

However, Karanka's latest comments suggest that Ansarifard has a significant part to play in their promotion push this season, with the forward perhaps playing in a role many weren't expecting.

"If Joao (Carvalho) is tired or cannot play for any reason, Karim can play as a number 10 as well, just behind Lewis (Grabban), if we need to. Or behind Daryl (Murphy) as well," Karanka told the Nottingham Post.

The 28-year-old will be hoping to make his full debut after the international break whether that is in his favoured striking role or as an alternative to Carvalho.

Here at FLW, we take a look at an alternative attack Karanka could turn to following his latest insight...

The Portuguese youngster hasn't featured as often as he would have hoped to in recent weeks, but if he can rediscover his best form then he will be confident of keeping Matty Cash out of the starting XI.

The 22-year-old is yet to score in the league this season, but showed his eye for goal in the Carabao Cup.

The Iranian international will be hoping he can take his chance when he is given a run in the Nottingham Forest side.

Ansarifard has the ability to play in this deeper role and could be used as an alternative to Carvalho across the season.

Lolley has been Forest's brightest spark this season, proving to be a real threat to opposition defences.

He's likely to be a regular across the season.

Grabban is Forest's biggest goal threat, with his form perhaps one reason why Ansarifard might have to play deeper.

If fit and firing, it is hard to see Karanka dropping Grabban.

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