Soccer: Forest entering crucial stretch in promotion chase

Few fancied Nottingham Forest as promotion candidates in August but Billy Davies' side have forced their way into contention.

At the City Ground, Forest have been terrific, producing a string of positive, attacking displays on the way to 11 wins. In fact, no team in the league have scored more goals at home heading into Tuesday's fixtures.

But this is a huge week for Forest. They sit third, trailing Newcastle and West Brom by five and four points respectively, and stuttered to defeat against Doncaster at the weekend.

And the next seven days throws up two massive tests of their credentials. First, Forest head to Brammall Lane to take on a Sheffield United side who are a point outside the top six. Then they host Middlesbrough, who are also in hot pursuit of the playoff spots.

One way or another, we will learn a lot more about Forest's sticking power over the next week. Taking six points would be a big statement of intent and would heap the pressure on Newcastle and West Brom.