Nottingham Forest make the trip to South Wales to face Cardiff City having failed to win any of their last three fixtures in the Championship.

Meanwhile, the home side now sit six points adrift of the playoffs after two matches without success at the second tier.

Match preview

When Forest outfought Leeds United earlier this month, many expected Sabri Lamouchi's side to build on what had the potential to be a season-defining performance against a promotion rival.

However, the East Midlands outfit lost their momentum when succumbing at home to Charlton Athletic three days later, a game which saw Lamouchi rest many of his key men.

Although they responded with a draw at leaders West Bromwich Albion, Forest once again drew a blank in the goalless draw at home to Queens Park Rangers at the weekend, leaving the club in fifth position and six points adrift of second-placed Leeds.

Forest remain three points ahead of Bristol City in seventh, while also possessing a considerably better goal difference, but Lamouchi will be aware that their winless streak cannot continue in the long term.

The same can be said of Lewis Grabban's recent run of failing to hit the back of the net, with the top goalscorer having now gone five games without a strike to his name.

Like Forest, Cardiff have also failed to build on a recent positive run of form, picking up just one point from meetings with lowly Wigan Athletic and Stoke City respectively.

Neil Harris may look to put things into context by pointing to just three defeats being suffered since November 23, although the Bluebirds boss will inevitably face criticism with just three wins coming from nine matches.

Nevertheless, the Welsh outfit, who have not lost on home territory in eight league encounters, can move to within three points of their opponents with success on Tuesday night.

The small margins highlight the competitiveness of the second tier of English football, and Harris will know that his team will be right back in the picture if they make a further dent in Forest's confidence going forward.

Cardiff City Championship form: WDWWDL
Cardiff City form (all competitions): DDWWDL

Nottingham Forest form: WLWLDD

Team News

Harris will make changes to his team on Tuesday night, which will most likely include a recall for Junior Hoilett.

Aden Flint is also in line to come into the middle of the backline, while Leandro Bacuna is an alternative at right-back if Harris opts for a more attack-minded player in that position.

Lamouchi is also expected to make alterations, with Ryan Yates hopeful of a recall with Samba Sow likely to remain on the sidelines through injury.

Adama Diakhaby could be the player to make way, allowing Tiago Silva to play further forward, although Tyler Walker is another option for the visitors.

Cardiff City possible starting lineup:
Smithies; Bacuna, Morrison, Flint, Bennett; Vaulks, Pack; Adomah, Ward, Hoilett; Paterson

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

We say: Cardiff City 1-2 Nottingham Forest

With neither team having enjoyed recent success, both are lacking confidence heading into this contest. However, we feel that Forest's extra quality in attack will help them earn a scrappy victory.