Nottingham Forest boss Aitor Karanka finds himself under huge pressure after a lacklustre start to the season, with things not getting any easier as Leeds United visit the City Ground tomorrow afternoon.  

In the last five, Forest have failed to pick up a victory, with a miserable Christmas period piling the pressure on Karanka.

On Saturday, Karanka’s Reds failed to overcome Millwall at the New Den, losing 1-0 to an early goal from Ryan Tunnicliffe.

Now, it looks like three points are a necessity against Leeds, who are flying under Marcelo Bielsa.

However, the Whites do head into this one on the back of a rare defeat, which will give Forest confidence.

There are areas of Leeds’ side that can be targeted, and here at FLW, we take a look at Forest’s squad, identifying the starting XI that Karanka should field to exploit those weaknesses…

The goalkeeper is likely to continue. He’s Karanka’s No.1 for now, although that could change in January.

Darikwa has proved to be the best option at right-back over the course of the season.

Hefele isn’t massively convincing, but he’s good enough to continue in this role against Leeds.

He’s a good record against the Whites from his Huddersfield Town days.

Fox will continue alongside Hefele. His improvement has been superb.

Despite the defeat to Millwall, Robinson completes the unchanged defensive unit.

Whilst Claudio Yacob is a defensive option, Karanka should be letting Guedioura loose.

The best way to approach Leeds is by attacking.

Colback is a big game player and should continue.

Lolley is a key part of Forest’s attack and will be one of the men that Leeds will be wary of.

Carvalho is a constant threat and will be another man that Leeds are cautious of.

Cash struggles for consistency, but he’s a goal threat, which is what Forest and Karanka need.

You’d have him in the starting XI.

Grabban should come back into the starting XI against Leeds.

He’s 14 goals to his name and will be confident of adding to that.