NOTTINGHAM Forest are the visitors to Vicarage Road on Boxing Day and they will provide a challenging test for Malky Mackay's Golden Boys in the lunchtime fixture.

Billy Davies' men head to Hertfordshire with a great record of results behind them.

Forest are unbeaten in 14 games, a staggering run which dates back to September.

After a mixed start to the campaign, Davies' signings settled and the team has come into terrific form, which currently sees them sitting pretty in third place in the Championship.

During that run they have recorded large wins over both Leicester City and Doncaster Rovers.

The Hornets beat Forest at The City Ground back in August, however the make-up of Malky's team has changed greatly since with the departures of Tommy Smith, Mike Williamson and Jobi McAnuff, while Henri Lansbury, Heidar Helguson and Lee Hodson have all become regular starters since then.

Coming into the traditional Boxing Day fixture the manager has a question mark over one of his players.

Danny Graham and Tom Cleverley celebrate against Forest

Ross Jenkins is definitely out with his back injury, the gaffer has confirmed that the midfielder is making progress, although that has been slightly hampered this week by the adverse weather conditions.

Nathan Ellington is unavailable after his loan move to Greece was confirmed earlier this week, while Craig Cathcart will miss the festive fixtures with a knee injury.

Industrious midfielder Don Cowie missed last weekend's clash with Peterborough with tonsillitis and he is touch and go for the fixture.

Speaking ahead of the game, Malky said: "We're playing against a team who have a great away record and are on a good roll at the moment."

Indeed, Forest are unbeaten on their travels this term and are fiercely protecting that record, as it stands they are the only unbeaten side away from home in the division.

"They have invested heavily this season in players" commented Watford's boss.

"For example they have added Nicky Shorey on loan, who has played for England.

"I release that they're going to be a strong test, you only have to look at their bench the other evening, but with that comes pressure, however we know that we've got a tough game."

Please remember that kick-off is at midday as the 'Orns welcome high-flying Forest to Vicarage Road.

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