Head coach Steve Cooper makes two changes to his Nottingham Forest starting line-up for this afternoon’s clash with Blackpool - both of which perhaps come as something of a surprise.
The Reds return to action after the international break with their focus on securing a top-six spot. Taking on the Seasiders marks the start of their final run-in, with 10 games left in which to achieve their goal.
Ahead of kick-off at Bloomfield Road, Forest are ninth in the table, three points below the play-off places. Their opponents sit six points and four spots below them.
Read more: Follow the Reds' clash with Blackpool live from Bloomfield Road
Read more: Why Steve Cooper welcomes promotion 'pressure' in crunch period
Cooper’s men fell 1-0 to Liverpool in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup last time out, although they gave their visitors a real run for their money at the City Ground. Prior to that, the Reds had been on a nine-match unbeaten run in all competitions.
There was a question mark over whether goalkeeper Ethan Horvath would be available against Blackpool, having made a late return from international duty with America. And he is replaced between the posts by Brice Samba, due to the quick turnaround.
There is a return for Scott McKenna, who was expected to be out for up to five weeks after suffering a hamstring injury in the 3-1 thumping of QPR last month. He makes an earlier than expected comeback as he partners Joe Worrall and Tobias Figueiredo in a back three.
Fellow defenders Steve Cook and Max Lowe remain sidelined, however, leaving Jack Colback to fill in at left wing-back for the latter. Djed Spence continues on the right.
James Garner and Ryan Yates keep their places in the centre of the pitch. Joe Lolley drops to the bench, with Philip Zinckernagel and Brennan Johnson supporting Keinan Davis in attack.
There is also a return for striker Lewis Grabban. He is on the bench, alongside Horvath, Loic Mbe Soh, Sam Surridge, Alex Mighten, Cafu and Lolley.
Forest: Samba; Worrall, Figueiredo, McKenna; Spence, Yates, Garner, Colback; Johnson, Davis, Zinckernagel. Subs: Horvath, Mbe Soh, Grabban, Surridge, Mighten, Cafu, Lolley.
