Source: SKY_Sports
Forest v Middlesbrough preview
Nottingham Forest will be hoping to put their league woes to one side when they face Middlesbrough in the Carling Cup second round on Tuesday.
The Reds have taken just two points from their opening four fixtures in the Championship, losing both of their games at the City Ground.
They did, however, see off Bradford on home soil in the first round of cup competition.
In contrast, Boro are currently among the second tier pace-setters after enjoying an unbeaten start to the 2009/10 campaign.
The North East outfit were awarded a bye in the first round of the Carling Cup.
Forest defender Joel Lynch is a major doubt ahead of the midweek encounter.
The left-back sustained a back injury in he first half of the Reds' draw at QPR on Saturday and failed to re-emerge after the break.
Boss Billy Davies brought on Garath McCleary to play at right-back at Loftus Road, with Chris Gunter switching full-back positions to cover for Lynch on the opposite side.
That is one option available to Davies if Lynch is not available, although the Scot could ask midfielder Chris Cohen to play at left-back again.
Davies' defensive options are already limited with James Perch (shin), Julian Bennett (knee) and Kelvin Wilson (ankle) out.
Midfielders Guy Moussi (thigh) and Lewis McGugan (fractured cheekbone) also remain sidelined.
Middlesbrough midfielder Gary O'Neil will miss out on Tuesday as he is set to undergo a hernia operation.
The 26-year-old had delayed the operation but will now go under the knife and is expected to be out of action until after next month's international break.
Striker Marvin Emnes suffered concussion in Saturday's 2-0 win over Doncaster, but is expected to be fit for the clash at Forest.
Brad Jones and Chris Riggott (both ankle), Didier Digard (groin), Afonso Alves (toe and Achilles), Emanuel Pogatetz (knee) and Matthew Bates (cruciate ligament) remain on the sidelines.
