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Burton Albion manager Nigel Clough is looking forward to pitting his wits against Nottingham Forest, a side he feels will be challenging for promotion come the end of the season.

The pair will meet in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup at the end of October at the Pirelli Stadium, a ground the Reds are yet to taste victory at in their previous two visits – and are yet to score a goal.

Albion, who were relegated after their second season in the Championship in May have already accounted for Aston Villa and Premier League Burnley in the competition so far, and Clough admits he’s pleased to have another home tie against his former club on the horizon.

“We are happy to be at home first and foremost with the way we are playing at home at the moment,” he said.

(Image: Joseph Raynor)

“It’s one of those games where we will feel we have a chance and it’s one to look forward to.”

Since the pair drew 0-0 in Staffordshire back in February, Aitor Karanka has signed 16 players as he looks to turn the Reds into genuine contenders for promotion to the Premier League, something Clough admits will pose a different challenge to those he's faced in the past.

“They (Forest) have changed totally, and the size of the squad and money spent in the summer means they are one of the favourites for promotion.

"It will be a different side to the ones we have faced in the past," the 52-year-old told the Brewers site.

(Image: Joseph Raynor)

“We hope it might be picked for TV, especially with what we have done in the competition so far. It’s League One versus a big Championship club and I hope they consider it.

“We would hope for a good crowd and a big atmosphere. The times we have played them recently we have had that, so we would hope for it again.

“Financially one of the big boys away would have been the preferred option but it’s a good draw for us.”

The Brewers have started life back in League One solidly, winning three of their first nine games but have lost just once on home soil, with that coming on the opening day against Rochdale.