Refreshed Forest look to cause upset against promotion-hopefuls Reading on Saturday

Nottingham Forest will come into Saturday’s fixture against Reading feeling revitalised after a rare midweek break which manager Chris Hughton described as “certainly good.”

The Reds are enjoying an impressive 2021 so far following a disheartening start to the campaign, but Hughton will be aiming to snap out of a three game winless run against the fifth placed Royals.

Recent defeats to Watford and Luton Town alongside a draw against Derby County leave Forest 17th in the Championship and just eight points from the drop zone – their second-half improvement in large part due to January signings Filip Krovinovic, James Garner, and Glenn Murray.

Speaking to the media in his pre-match press conference, Chris Hughton was delighted to have a full week of training and getting as many players involved as possible.

“We had a good week’s training so far, it was certainly good to have a free week and we had a lot of players training which is good. It’s good to have the break because of the training we can get in and also for the break from a physical point of view, particularly for the players who have been playing a lot of minutes as it gives them that down time. Also, for us as staff to be able to reflect a little bit and have a good week’s planning going into a game as opposed to one or two days.”

Saturday’s hosts have been given yet another uplift after the manager revealed Scott McKenna and Harry Arter could be involved in the weekend clash after lengthy periods out with ankle and calf injuries respectively.

McKenna last featured in a 2-1 defeat to Middlesbrough mid-January and Arter hasn’t been seen since a 1-0 FA Cup victory against Cardiff City in the New Year.

In a breath of fresh air, the former Brighton boss confirmed defensive midfielder Fouad Bachirou is the only player not training, with the Frenchman continuing his recovery from a hamstring issue. Even better, though, he’s expected to be back next week for the Reds.

As for the visitors, Veljko Paunović’s side will be aiming to complete a league double over Forest for the first time since the 2003/04 season and are in fine form with three straight victories behind them.

The Royals have kept 16 clean sheets this season, which is the most they’ve recorded since keeping 20 in 2011/12 – the season they gained promotion to the Premier League.

Tricky winger Ovie Ejaria is expected to be a last-minute decision for Saturday according to the Serbian boss alongside Andy Rinomhota, who is also progressing well.

Michael Morrison and Felipe Araruna are both out for the trip to the Midlands, but Lewis Gibson is expected to be involved pending further fitness tests on Friday to determine his availability.

Paunović spoke confidently ahead of the matchup, but commended Forest’s improvement since their last meeting in December when Reading ran away 2-0 winners.

“It’s going to be a tough game on Saturday. I don’t think eight points is enough [above relegation]at this stage, when everyone is fighting for their lives. I don’t think it’s enough – not for us or our opponents. They [Forest] are a good team, they have improved but I think we are a better team too compared to the first game.”

A win for the travelling side could see them move level on points with fourth placed Brentford if results go in the Royals’ favour, however, three points for the home team could be deemed even more important in their bid for Championship survival.

Joe Lyons will be at the City Ground on Saturday afternoon to report on the decisive game which could hugely impact both the promotion race and battle for survival.