AFC Bournemouth will be hoping to maintain their impressive recent form when they face rejuvenated Championship rivals Nottingham Forest on Saturday (12.30pm kick-off).
Under caretaker-manager Jonathan Woodgate, the Cherries have won their past two games, triumphing 3-2 against Birmingham in the league and reaching the quarter-finals of the FA Cup by beating Burnley.
A poor start to the season saw Nottingham Forest lose 11 of their opening 18 games in the Championship, including a 2-0 defeat at Vitality Stadium in November.
They parted company with head coach Sabri Lamouchi in October and have enjoyed an upturn in fortunes under his successor Chris Hughton.
A 2-0 victory over Sheffield Wednesday at the City Ground on December 15th heralded the start of a ten-match run which has seen them win five and draw four league games.
They beat Preston (1-0) and Millwall (3-1) in January before completing doubles over Coventry (2-1) and Wycombe (3-0) in their past two games.
Former Cherries striker Glenn Murray, signed from Watford in the transfer window, marked his full debut by scoring twice against the Chairboys.
Hughton also drafted in two loan recruits last month – Filip Krovinovic from Benfica and James Garner from Manchester United – and Anthony Knockaert extended his stay from Brighton.
Ahead of the clash, afcb.co.uk caught up with Sarah Clapson who covers the fortunes of Forest for Nottingham Live and the Nottingham Post.
NOTTINGHAM FOREST IN PROFILE
Manager: Chris Hughton (appointed October 2020)
Club captain: Lewis Grabban
Last game: Wycombe Wanderers 0-3 Nottingham Forest (Championship)
Leading league goalscorer 2020/21: Lyle Taylor (five in all competitions)
League position: 18th
Past six league results: WWLDWW
afcb.co.uk: One defeat in ten league games – what’s been behind the upturn in results?
SC: It was always going to take time for Chris Hughton to implement his ideas and get to know the squad – as well as for confidence to recover after a tough start to the season on the back of last term's collapse.
Forest have started to build up a bit of momentum and the manager has more of an idea of his first-choice XI.
Before this run, they had a spell of playing some of the top teams in a really tough few weeks.
The last few games have been against teams around them, who they seem to fare better against.
They have some difficult-looking matches on the horizon, so that will be a real test to see if progress has been made.
It's also worth pointing out the business Forest did in January has had an effect.
Early days, but James Garner, Filip Krovinovic and Glenn Murray have all had an impact.
Forest had struggled to score goals previously, but those three – and the extension of Anthony Knockaert's loan – have helped with that.
afcb.co.uk: How has Chris Hughton (pictured above) changed things?
SC: He's actually not changed a great deal in terms of style and the system Forest tend to play.
Like Sabri Lamouchi, he favours a 4-2-3-1 formation and is generally quite a cautious manager.
He has made Forest harder to beat by tightening things up at the back, though.
As well as not scoring goals, earlier in the season, Forest had been shipping them at the other end.
Making them defensively solid was Hughton's priority and they've started to cut out costly individual errors.
As mentioned above, the signings he oversaw in January have looked good. They have been made with a view to the short-term, to get Forest out of the position they are in, but it's still a small step towards putting his mark on the squad.
It probably comes with better results, but the team spirit seems to have improved in recent weeks, too.
afcb.co.uk: Give us a word on Manchester United loan signing James Garner (pictured above)?
SC: Brilliant!
At the risk of getting carried away after just two games, he's been superb.
For someone of just 19 years old, he has so much composure on the ball. And he's got a great eye for a pass.
I'd recommend anybody to find a video clip of the ball he played to Joe Lolley to set up Forest's third against Wycombe last Saturday.
He's pretty much come in and nailed down a place in the first-team.
A lot of fans have been scratching their heads as to why he'd not really been involved at Watford when he was on loan there in the first half of the season.
But their loss is Forest's gain. He's the missing piece in midfield. Forest had been lacking someone with the kind of spark and ability to drive the team forward which he provides.
afcb.co.uk: What have been your first impressions of former Cherries striker Glenn Murray (pictured above)?
SC: He's another one who has impressed.
I'll admit to having had some doubts when Forest brought him in, but am happy to have been proved wrong on that front!
He showed all his experience and nous on his full debut against Wycombe. The touch for his first goal was exceptional and he was very clever with the way he won a penalty before coolly slotting it home.
If he can get a few more goals between now and the end of the season, he'll have done the job he was brought in for – and it could make a huge difference; every point counts when you're fighting at the wrong end of the table.
Hughton talks about the influence he has on the dressing room, too. Again, it's the kind of experience he brings which can serve Forest well.
afcb.co.uk: Apart from either Garner or Murray, who is Forest’s one to watch?
SC: Anthony Knockaert (pictured above).
After a slow start to his loan spell, he's really started to come into his own and show what he can do.
He showed good anticipation to score Forest's third last weekend, and he'll be hoping to get a few more goals in the next few months.
He's started to have more of an influence on games. With Garner in midfield, Forest's attacking link-up play has improved – and Knockaert is an important part of that.
afcb.co.uk: Are any first-choice players either injured or suspended against the Cherries?
SC: Forest have a few injury doubts.
Lewis Grabban (pictured above) wasn't risked last weekend and Sammy Ameobi also missed out. It was hoped they would be involved in training this week, though.
Samba Sow, Ryan Yates and Harry Arter are making their way back from injury, but it might be this weekend comes too soon.
Scott McKenna is likely to be sidelined for a bit longer yet.
afcb.co.uk: What’s your score prediction?
SC: Forest should go into the game full of confidence.
Bournemouth have done well amid their search for a new manager, but if the Reds play like we know they can, they should have a chance.
It'll be a test for them after a few games against teams towards the bottom end of the table, but I'll be positive and back them for a 2-1 win.
You can follow Sarah on Twitter – @Sarah_Clapson
Officials: Chris Kavanagh (referee), Sian Massey-Ellis (assistant), Daniel Robathan (assistant), Darren Bond (fourth official).
