Preview: Nottingham Forest vs. Stoke City - prediction, team news, lineups

Nottingham Forest take on Stoke City on Wednesday evening still requiring a point to guarantee their spot in the Championship playoffs.

Meanwhile, the Potters make the short trip to the City Ground having secured their place in the second tier for another 10 months with victory over promotion-chasing Brentford at the weekend.

Match preview

Although Forest are on the brink of sealing a spot in the playoffs, Sabri Lamouchi will be anything but satisfied with the recent performances of his team.

Just three points and four goals have been registered in their last five matches, with their last victory coming on the first day of the month.

While a share of the spoils will be enough on Wednesday night, Lamouchi may feel that his team need to record all three points in a bid to generate some much-needed momentum.

Without success later this week, the majority of their fanbase will be pessimistic regarding their chances against either West Bromwich Albion, Brentford or Fulham.

That said, there is an argument that avoiding defeat against Stoke should be regarded as an excellent result, who are now mathematically safe from the drop.

Having recorded 45 points from his 30 matches in charge, Michael O'Neill has arguably not received the credit that he deserves for masterminding the club's revival since his appointment in November.

Ten of those points have come from their last five outings, which includes a hugely-impressive 1-0 triumph over in-form Brentford on Saturday afternoon.

O'Neill may have feared the worst when witnessing his players succumb by a 5-0 scoreline at Leeds United earlier this month, but the performance and clean sheet against the Bees highlighted that Stoke can be a force in the second tier next season.

Despite their survival, however, O'Neill will be desperate not to end the season with a defeat, one which could see the club drop down to 19th place.

Nottingham Forest Championship form: WDLDDL

Stoke City Championship form: LWLWDW

Team News

After switching to a back three against Barnsley, Lamouchi must decide whether to stick with a formation which ultimately led to Forest drawing a blank at Oakwell.

Joe Lolley and Sammy Ameobi will each expect to start the game on Wednesday night, potentially as replacements for Tiago Silva and Nuno da Costa.

Although Matty Cash could be back in contention, Lamouchi may opt against taking any risks on one of his key men.

As for Stoke, O'Neill could hand a third Championship start of the season to youngster Lasse Sorensen.

Tyrese Campbell will also hope to feature having began a number of matches among the replacements.

Nottingham Forest possible starting lineup: Smith; Dawson, Figueiredo, Worrall; Jenkinson, Watson, Sow, Ribeiro; Lolley, Grabban, Ameobi

Stoke City possible starting lineup: Davies; Chester, Batth, Martins Indi; Smith, Cousins, Sorensen, McClean; Powell; Gregory, Campbell

We say: Nottingham Forest 1-1 Stoke City

With survival having already been secured, Stoke may relish the chance to play with freedom on Wednesday night. However, Forest will be motivated to ensure that they do not waste a prolonged period in the top six, leading us to predict a competitive draw.