Nottingham Forest face Middlesbrough today (3pm) looking to bounce back from a midweek defeat to Charlton, the first defeat under the reign of Dougie Freedman.
The Reds welcome top of the table Middlesbrough to The City Ground, bringing the team back in front of the home supporters after the 2-1 away loss to Charlton Athletic.
And Freedman believes the return home will be a key advantage when they try to overcome one of the league’s front runners.
“Returning home with the crowd behind the lads, I think the game will all be about performing the way we can, like we have in the home games I have been here for,” he says.
“Middlesbrough are a fantastic club with a great set up but with the fans right behind us that could tip the balance in our favour.”
Video: Dougie Freedman speaks of the importance of the Middlesbrough game
With the lead in the Sky Bet Championship changing hands numerous times recently, Middlesbrough are in the hot seat at the moment and Forest striker Dexter Blackstock is not surprised to see them there.
“The way the Championship has been going over the last couple of years has shown that teams that have been in the league for a couple of years have the experience to go on winning streaks and get themselves promoted,” he says.
“Middlesbrough are a good team with a number of players who can get them crucial goals so I am not surprised at all that they are up there challenging.”
Video: Dexter Blackstock speaks on what it will take to beat league leaders Middlesbrough
