Preview: Nottingham Forest vs. Charlton Athletic - prediction, team news, lineups

Nottingham Forest welcome Charlton Athletic to the City Ground knowing that victory could be enough to take the club into the top two of the Championship standings.

Meanwhile, Charlton travel to the East Midlands sitting in 21st position, just four points above the relegation zone.

Match preview

Sabri Lamouchi struggled to hide his frustration when Forest lost to Birmingham City last weekend, a result which ended their seven-match unbeaten streak in the Championship.

However, the Frenchman was naturally delighted with his side's response against Leeds United as goals from Sammy Ameobi and Tyler Walker moved the East Midlands outfit to within touching distance of the automatic promotion places.

While there is a long way to go until the end of the campaign, this feels like a decisive period in Forest's season, with a trip to top-of-the-table side West Bromwich Albion to follow Tuesday's meeting with Charlton.

Successfully seeing off their relegation-threatened opponents would set up the opportunity to play with more freedom against the Baggies, who have shown signs of feeling the pressure in recent weeks.

Lamouchi will also feel that this contest will test the character of his players as they look to ensure that their efforts against Leeds do not go to waste against a group who have won just two of their last 20 games in all competitions.

To a certain extent, Lee Bowyer may feel that his Charlton team are under little pressure to get anything at the home ground of one of the form clubs in the division.

That said, Saturday's 3-1 defeat at Stoke City has left the London-based outfit looking over their shoulders towards the bottom three with the gap now just four points.

After facing Forest, Charlton have seven fixtures in a row against teams who are currently no higher than 11th position in the table, a period which Bowyer will already have identified as a potentially pivotal time for his side.

Changes in personnel are likely after the disappointment at the bet365 Stadium, although rotation for Tuesday's game may pay off in the long run if it means that Bowyer has fresher legs at his disposal going forward.

Nottingham Forest Championship form: DWDWLW

Charlton Athletic Championship form: LDLDWL Charlton Athletic form (all competitions): LDLDWL

Team News

Despite netting a decisive second goal after coming off the bench against Leeds, Walker may remain among the substitutes for this game.

Adama Diakhaby is an option down one of the flanks, while Ryan Yates could potentially be introduced into the team for Ben Watson, who may be rested ahead of the West Brom fixture.

Carl Jenkinson and Brighton & Hove Albion loanee Gaeten Bong are expected to stay on the bench.

Charlton boss could hand a rest to veteran Darren Pratley, with Sam Field being brought into the centre of midfield.

Tomer Hemed may be included in attack, potentially at the expense of Jonny Williams, while Naby Sarr will be hoping for a recall in defence.

Nottingham Forest possible starting lineup: Samba; Cash, Figueiredo, Worrall, Riberio; Sow, Yates; Ameobi, Lolley, Diakhaby; Grabban

Charlton Athletic possible starting lineup: Phillips; Matthews, Sarr, Pearce, Purrington; Cullen, Field, Davis; Taylor, Hemed, Green

We say: Nottingham Forest 3-1 Charlton Athletic

After an intense meeting with Leeds at the weekend, Forest may find it difficult to replicate such a performance against lowly opponents. However, the home side should have enough quality in their ranks to get the better of the Addicks.