The tentative optimism generated by Forest's 2-0 win against Coventry on Saturday will be tested to the full at St Andrew's against a side unbeaten in 15 games following their 3-1 victory at Barnsley on Tuesday night.
That fixture at Oakwell was the 44th of the season for Chris Hughton's men but far from flagging they appear to be running into form at just the right time to make a promotion charge.
Blues won the corresponding fixture 3-1 at the City Ground in early October, bringing to an end Steve McClaren's brief reign as Reds boss.