'Forest are going to have to be really good on Thursday night'
[Getty Images] BBC Radio Nottingham's Colin Fray says Forest can use their 3-0 win away at Fenerbahce earlier this season as a blueprint as they prepare to face Porto in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final on Thursday. Forest dominated from start to finish in Istanbul to record their biggest ever away win in European competition in Vitor Pereira's first match in charge in February. They also beat Thursday's opponents earlier this season in the league phase at home in Sean Dyche's first game in charge, but since then Porto have opened up a lead at the top of the Portuguese Primeira Liga.
"It is going to be a heck of a challenge," Fray told In the Game on BBC Radio Nottingham. "They've obviously proven they can beat Porto because they did earlier this season in the league phase. "That's Porto's only defeat in the Europa League and at home they are five wins from five.
That shows you their strength - they have only lost once at home in all competitions this season and they are five points clear at the top of the Portugese league with only a few games left. "All that emphasises what a difficult tie Forest have facing them over the two legs, but we spoke in similar terms about Fenerbahce with the atmosphere there, the big stadium and the feel of a big European club. Forest went there and won 3-0 and were outstanding that night.
"In a season where you never quite know what you are going to get, Forest have done fairly well on the road in Europe. They have had some good performances away from home, but they are going to have to be really good again on Thursday night. " Listen to the full programme on BBC Sounds Explore all Nottingham Forest content on BBC Sounds