Head coach Steve Cooper is in no doubt of the challenge Nottingham Forest face, coming up against Manchester City this weekend, but it is one he wants his team to embrace.
The Welshman went on a scouting mission last Sunday and was in the stands at the Etihad Stadium as Aston Villa were toppled 3-1. He also watched on TV as Pep Guardiola's side saw off title rivals Arsenal by the same scoreline in midweek.
“These are the games we wanted when we searched for promotion," said Cooper, ahead of Saturday's match. "You want to be coming up against the best teams and players.
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“You want to show you can do your best. We are looking forward to the game. Whatever team City play they are incredible all over the pitch.
“This is what the club longed for. Every Premier League game has been brilliant. We have to be very focused on what it takes to do well.”
The Reds have a terrific record at the City Ground, having not lost in the league at home since mid-September when they were beaten by Fulham. They have also made great strides since the last time they faced City, when Erling Haaland ran riot with a hat-trick in a 6-0 thumping.
It will be a different Forest XI which lines up on Saturday compared to the one which started on that chastening night in August. But there is still a considerable task ahead, and Cooper’s team selection will be dictated by a significant injury list.
The club expect to hear today whether they have been granted approval by the Premier League to reinstate Steve Cook into their 25-man squad, following the news Willy Boly and Scott McKenna face lengthy spells on the sidelines with the hamstring injuries they suffered at Craven Cottage last weekend. But regardless of the outcome, it seems likely Joe Worrall and Felipe will take up the centre-back spots.
Cooper said in his pre-match press conference that Ryan Yates would not be available for this one as he continues to recover from illness. Yates has been missed while he has been absent, but in the meantime, if fit enough, Jonjo Shelvey has almost certainly played his way into a starting spot.
The deadline day signing, who has just overcome a calf sprain, made his debut in last Saturday’s 2-0 defeat at Fulham, and he made a big impact from off the bench. Shelvey contributed to an improved second half for the visitors and showed that his passing range can be a valuable asset. His level of experience could also come in handy against Guardiola’s team.
There is a decision to be made over who would line up alongside him, though. Gustavo Scarpa and Orel Mangala were both substituted in the capital, while Danilo had been left out of the match squad - although Cooper did stress afterwards that he is happy with the young Brazilian’s progress.
Likewise, the head coach faces a dilemma over how Forest should set up in attack. Chris Wood has struggled to make an impact in his three games so far, and finding a way to get the best out of him remains a challenge for Cooper.
He certainly has food for thought over whether to change things on Saturday, though. There is the option of tweaking the system, either with or without Wood, while Andre Ayew will be eager for his first start and Cooper could also turn to Sam Surridge. Meanwhile, Emmanuel Dennis had some promising moments when he came on against the Cottagers, even if his final touch let him down.
It is not clear whether Jesse Lingard will get the green light for this weekend, with Cooper saying he is a doubt due to knee and Achilles' issues. Scarpa is also able to play a more advanced role.
Predicted Forest XI: Navas; Aurier, Worrall, Felipe, Lodi; Shelvey, Freuler, Mangala; Gibbs-White; Johnson, Wood.
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