Neil Warnock delivers verdict on Nottingham Forest and former Newcastle United boss Chris Hughton

Forest have taken just six points from their opening eight league games and sacked manager Sabri Lamouchi at the start of October.

Since then, The Reds have drawn three and won once under new manager Chris Hughton, who has a big squad to choose from at the City Ground

In contrast, Boro remain low on numbers after missing out on several transfer targets earlier this month, combined with a couple of injury setbacks.

Ahead of Saturday’s meeting at the Riverside, Warnock was asked about Forest’s large squad and the options at Hughton’s disposal.

“I think Chris in January will be thinning it down because I think they have nearly 30-odd pros,” said Warnock.

“At least I don’t have that problem, I only have 20 and a few are injured long-term so we only have 18 to worry about.

“It is an easier job for a manager like that but at the other side of the coin it’s nice to look around and see the players who aren’t in the team. You need a big squad in the Championship and they have got that.”

Warnock also has a lot of respect for Hughton, who has won promotion from the Championship with Newcastle and Brighton.

“You know what you are getting with Chris. He’s a nine out of ten every week and a nice lad,” added Warnock.

“He played for me when I was a young manager at Torquay and I know what kind of lad he is, he gives it absolutely everything.

“I think it’s a good combination if I’m honest, they’ve needed someone like Chris for years really.”

Forest are 20th in the Championship after eight games but are only eight points off the play-off places at this early stage.

“Chris will still be looking at the top six,” added Warnock. “Eight points is nothing really at this stage.

“I think it will be a cracking game tomorrow.”

Boro have now gone seven games unbeaten in the Championship following their opening-day defeat at Watford.

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