While an FA Cup third round game between two sides in the same division who have differing priorities towards the top and bottom of the table could sometimes slip by unnoticed, a local derby and the presence of a large travelling support will hopefully inspire the home fans and team.
The Reds' confidence should be on the rise after they started 2012 in style at Ipswich on Monday
Forest have received clearance to include Marlon Harewood in their squad and Steve Cotterill may be tempted to start with the returning striker in a bid to get him match-fit for the crucial league matches to come.
Leicester, backed by 8,000 fans, also got a crucial victory at Crystal Palace to reignite their hopes of going up after a season that has so far failed to match summer expectations.
"It's interesting that both sides won their last game so there's a bit on it," Foxes boss Nigel Pearson told his club's official website.
"There's plenty of pride at stake and it's a game I'm sure both sides want to win."