Dougie Freedman faces his stiffest challenge in charge of Nottingham Forest when his in-form side host automatic-promotion candidates Bournemouth in the Championship's one and only game on Wednesday.

Since replacing Stuart Pearce at the City Ground, Freedman has taken 10 points out of a possible 12 from his four games in charge to give Forest hope of making a late charge for the playoffs.

Speaking after Saturday's 4-1 home win over Bolton Wanderers, Freedman insisted that he still felt the top six was out of reach, with 12 points separating them from Norwich City with 14 games of the season to go.

However, some of the teams currently in the playoffs, including their black-and-red opponents on Wednesday, have faltered of late and if Forest can continue their fine form, they might be able to crash the party.

One thing Freedman seems to have fixed is goals, with Forest scoring 14 goals in the four games since he took over.

They now face a side who are still right in the promotion mix, but who have struggled of late with just two league wins in six games.

Eddie Howe's Cherries are also without a win in three games after suffering their first defeat in February at Brentford on Saturday after two draws in a row at home.

At one moment on Saturday it looked as if the top five would all lose, but Derby County then turned it around against Sheffield Wednesday to go two clear of Middlesbrough at the top and three ahead of Bournemouth in third.

Had Bournemouth won at Griffin Park, they would be top, but now they could realistically drop as low as fifth if they lose at the City Ground.

The only player missing from Howe's favourite XI on Saturday was Harry Arter and the central midfielder will again be absent on Wednesday as he serves the last game of his two-match ban.

Ryan Fraser was bright after coming on at half time against Brentford, but he will probably have to settle for a place on the bench again.

Forest are unbeaten in six home games against Bournemouth and also won the reverse 2-1 at the Goldsands Stadium back in August.

Forest:

Recent form: LLWWDW

Possible starting lineup: Darlow; Lichaj, Lascelles, Collins, Fox; Burke Lansbury, Gardner, Osborn, Antonio; Blackstock

Bournemouth:

Form in Championship: LWWDDL
Form in all competitions: LWWDDL

Possible starting lineup: Boruc; Francis, Elphick, Cook, Daniels; Ritchie, Surman, MacDonald, Pugh; Kermorgant, Wilson

Sports Mole says: 2-2