With a crunch Premiership tie with Manchester United looming large, Shaka Hislop, Dejan Stefanovic, Teddy Sheringham, Amdy Faye and others are set to miss the Carling Cup tie at the City Ground.
This will create an oppotunity for players such as Jason Roberts, Vincent Pericard (who has been vocal about his lack of oppotunities), Matt Taylor and Linvoy Primus - players who have a proven pedigree at Nottingham Forest's level.
As for the opposition, influential defender Michael Dawson is set to miss the match through injury. His place will be filled by the 88-year old Des Walker.