Forest search for all-important three points against Barnsley to ease relegation fears

Nottingham Forest host Barnsley in a Championship contest at The City Ground on Saturday afternoon, looking to avoid a further drop in the table.

The two-time European champions sit in a deplorable 20th place – just two points clear of the relegation zone. After spending more than £13m in the summer transfer window, supporters have every right to expect a better return from their side.

The club have strengthened in this January window, bringing in Filip Krovinovic on loan from Benfica – a deal which lasts to the end of the 20/21 season. The midfielder is in contention to make his debut on Saturday, and the Forest boss applauded his attitude since arriving.

“He’s got a great personality and is very enthusiastic so we hope that we can get out of him what he’s shown us in training so far.”

West Bromwich Albion manager Sam Allardyce confirmed winger Kamil Grosicki declined a move to the Reds earlier this month, as they continue to look for goals to add to their squad.

Furthermore, Kris Temple of the BBC reported that midfielder Dan Gosling also turned down a move to Nottingham Forest to stay and fight for his place at Bournemouth. Forest’s bid was accepted by the Cherries, but Gosling was keen to remain on the south coast.

James Nursey of the Daily Mirror also reported that Hughton has encouraged the board to bring in Glenn Murray – planning a reunion with his former striker during his managerial spell in Brighton.

After a disappointing 5-1 loss to Swansea City in the FA Cup last weekend, gaffer Chris Hughton said he and his players have a responsibility to do better and turn a corner in the club’s bid for survival.

“That’s the nature of the game of the game and that [pressure] comes with it. That’s the responsibility that me and the players have, and we must put in a performance that enables us to get a result.”

Their opponents Barnsley’s have been impressive so far this season, they sit 12th in the Sky Bet Championship and are just seven points off the Play-Offs. They have a good recent record over Forest, beating them in their last three consecutive matches, with the most recent being a 2-0 win at Oakwell back in November.

Pending results go their way, Forest could move up as far as 18th in the league table with a win. The next few fixtures for the reds are tough encounters – a six pointer against Coventry City and a trip to face bottom-of-the-table Wycombe Wanderers. Meanwhile three points for the Tykes could lift them up as high as 9th.