Preview - Nottingham Forest

The pre-season has been littered with tales of extra training, increased physical technique, short passing and visions of Mark McGhee on the phone to Directory Enquiries looking for Adam Virgo. This is the last chance saloon for players hoping to make a final impression.

The manager made it clear after the Ayr game that the team which faces Forest will be fairly close the eleven who will face the might of St Mirren. He is still hoping to produce one or two new players who could be in contention but if they don't materialise then we can assume that Saturday's starters are his first choice. But who will be chosen?

Smith in goals, Lasley in the middle and McCormack up front have to be certainties. Other than that there are lots of possibilities. Will Corrigan keep his place? Paterson will play - but where? Mensing will probably find a place in midfield but what about Porter, will he get the nod over Clarkson?

There are also lots of permutations for the centre backs. Craigan, Kinniburgh, Reynolds and McLean have all filled the role in the pre season games (as has Nixon but his red card at Somerset Park ended his unlikely chance).

Our visitors beat Killie by three penalties to nil then lost (2-1) to the first division outfit at East End Park thanks to a goal two minutes from time but they have made eight changes to their line up. The Coca Cola League One side should provide some interesting opposition and no doubt Lennon will provide some entertainment!