Nottingham Forest ill take on Brentford in the Championship this afternoon. A win could take them further away from the dangers of relegation, with them currently nine points above the drop zone.

However, Forest haven't won in either of their last five matches, and suffered a 2-0 loss to Norwich City on Wednesday. Goals from Teemu Pukki and Kieran Dowell inflicted another defeat as stand-in goalkeeper Jordan Smith was forced to make a number of saves to keep them in the game.

It seems as if Chris Hoghton will still be without a few long-term absentees, with Harry Arter, Joe Lolley and Joe Worrall all sidelined. Goalkeeper Brice Samba is still a doubt for this fixture, as is the influential Anthony Knockaert.

Here's how Football FanCast expects Hughton to line his side up against Brentford, with three changes from the team which started against Norwich City in midweek...

Smith is expected to retain his place in the starting lineup for the second game running, with first choice keeper Samba an injury doubt. He performed well against the league leaders in midweek, making five saves, and will be a crucial member of the squad on Saturday.

There's one change in defence, as Gaetan Bong comes in at left-back. Tyler Blackett didn't perform too well against Norwich, and Bong provides the team with a bit more experience in the back four.

The central midfield partnership of James Garner and Ryan Yates is expected to continue, but a poor display from Cafu on Wednesday means that he misses out in the attacking midfield position. Filip Krovinovic is expected to come back in after being rested, and should add more creativity to the team.

Luke Freeman continues on the left and Sammy Ameobi should start on the right. Both players have been struggling for goals and will be looking to find better form against Brentford this weekend.

Lyle Taylor replaces the £27,500-a-week earning Lewis Grabban in attack, and he could be vital if Forest are going to end this bad run. Taylor is their top scorer this season with four goals, and the Reds need to start finding themselves on the scoresheet if they are to come away with three points.