Ipswich Town manager Gary O'Neil has highlighted the specific challenge posed by Nottingham Forest ahead of Friday night's Premier League meeting at Portman Road. O'Neil said Oliver Glasner's side are incredibly difficult to play against due to their direct, transitional style, which he compared to the manager's previous work at Crystal Palace.

Forest travel to Suffolk sitting 19th in the standings with just five points from their opening seven games. They have lost their last three matches, including a narrow 1-0 defeat to Arsenal last weekend, and face a critical fixture against an Ipswich side in 10th place with nine points. O'Neil's team arrives with recent form showing victories over Fulham and Crystal Palace, but defeats to Manchester City and Liverpool.

O'Neil's unbeaten record

Gary O'Neil has never lost to Nottingham Forest in his managerial career, a record he jokingly attributed to luck. He confirmed his team is fully focused on the task, taking games one at a time.

O'Neil praised the togetherness of his squad, calling it the best he has ever had. He said that culture gives them a fighting chance when tactics or technical aspects are not perfect. The manager also stated that pressure is a privilege and that his team is focused on closing the gap to the established Premier League sides.

Forest's approach and absences

Nottingham Forest are expected to deploy their characteristic low-risk, direct approach, defending in a low block with a back five that can press aggressively. They transition quickly to attack after winning the ball, a style O'Neil said is tough to counteract.

Forest will be without key midfielder Sasa Lukic, who is sidelined with a groin injury. The Ipswich boss confirmed Lukic will not be fit for this weekend but is expected to return in time for the trip to Hull City next week. Other players like Emersonn are still building match fitness, while summer signing Abdoul Ouattara continues to adjust to the Premier League's pace.

Despite their lowly position, Forest have performed better than their points tally suggests, creating chances and losing three games by a single goal. Their next match is this key away fixture under the Portman Road lights on Friday at 8pm. After that, they host Hull City next weekend, when Lukic is anticipated to be available for selection.

More detail at bbc.com