'They deserved to score against Leeds': Nottingham Forest boss Sabri Lamouchi delivers verdict on Middesbrough

Forest are fourth in the Championship following a 1-0 win over Cardiff in midweek – a result which ended a three-match winless run.

Despite producing an improved performance against Leeds United last time out, Boro slipped into the relegation zone over the weekend and haven’t won for nine league games.

Lamouchi is still expecting a difficult game, though, following the sides’ 1-1 draw at the City Ground back in December.

“We controlled the game in Cardiff but I am not sure we will control the game at Middlesbrough,” Lamouchi told the club’s website. “They are fighting to stay in the league and they disturbed Leeds a lot, and for me they deserved to score at least one goal.

“It is going to be a very tough game, one more, and they will play with personality, we need to play with more personality, they will play with character, we need to play with more character.

“We need to be ready and increase the level if we can, because Monday night, on the TV against Middlesbrough who need points. When you need points, you are very determined.”

Lamouchi is hopeful midfielder Samba Sow will be fit for the game after missing two games with a knee injury.

Sow said: “The knee is getting better. I had some training with the physio I will train with the team and hopefully everything will be okay.”