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

Stoke City play host to Nottingham Forest on Saturday afternoon looking to extend their unbeaten start in the Championship to four matches.

Meanwhile, Forest have suffered three successive 2-1 defeats, a run of results which has left them as one of two teams who are yet to record a single point.

Match preview

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While Stoke put together an uninspiring second half to last season, there has been little criticism of the club's business in the transfer market this summer.

Despite there only being four noteworthy arrivals, the signings of Ben Wilmot, Leo Ostigard, Mario Vrancic and Sam Surridge have already made a considerable difference.

Michael O'Neill will not be getting carried away by seven points from three games, the latest haul a result of a 3-1 triumph away at Swansea City in midweek.

That said, there is no reason to think that the Potters cannot emerge as contenders for promotion, particularly with the prospect of more incomings before the end of the month.

The fixture schedule appears kind to Stoke going forward, but O'Neill will stress the need for another three points ahead of the trip to Fulham.

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From the perspective of Forest, they have reached a point where they would gratefully accept a share of the spoils after three defeats in succession.

The performances of Chris Hughton's side do not necessarily warrant having zero points at this stage, but the Forest boss knows that their current streak must come to an end as soon as possible.

Just six players have started each of the opening triple-header, evidence that Hughton has had to deal with injuries and new players being brought to the City Ground.

However, that will not be used as an excuse for their setbacks, and the pressure is on to show a cutting edge at both ends of the pitch at the bet365 Stadium.

Team News

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Nick Powell is a doubt for Stoke after sustaining a thigh injury at the Liberty Stadium on Tuesday night.

O'Neill may opt against taking any risks on the playmaker with Jordan Thompson most likely to feature in his place.

Forest have issues in the full-back positions with Jordan Lawrence-Gabriel serving a suspension and Jordi Osei-Tutu having picked up a hamstring injury.

Gaetan Bong will return on the left-hand side of defence after completing his own ban, while youngster Finley Back will likely play on the right.

Cafu, Joao Carvalho and Lyle Taylor are also pushing for opportunities in the Forest XI.

Stoke City possible starting lineup:

Bursik; Ostigard, Souttar, Wilmot; Smith, Thompson, Allen, Clucas, Tymon; Surridge, Brown

Nottingham Forest possible starting lineup:

Samba; Back, Figueiredo, McKenna, Bong; Zinckernagel, Yates, Cafu, Mighten; Johnson; Taylor

We say: Stoke City 2-1 Nottingham Forest

Despite their contrasting starts to the season, we feel that this contest will be competitive throughout the 90 minutes. That said, Forest may find it hard to shake off the feeling of narrow defeats, and they could succumb in another close game here.