Blues winger Jota has been influential for his side in this first half.

The Spaniard releases Jacques Maghoma inside the area, but Maghoma takes too long to get his shot away and is tackled.

Hello, things are getting a bit tasty out there.

Daniel Fox slides into Jota - free-kick given.

But that's not the end of it as the two square up to each other. Forest defender Fox goes into the book.

Forest are all over the shop.

Tobias Figueiredo plays a dangerous pass across his own backline, it's collected by Maikel Kieftenbeld, but the Dutchman's chip lands on top of the net.

Jota's corner is cleared by Forest, but it's pumped straight back into their own half.

Jeers and whistles from the home fans.

Birmingham are going for the jugular.

Jota bursts into the box, the ball is collected by Jacques Maghoma and he eventually wins a corner.

Forest can't get out of their own half at the moment.

Forest centre-back Tobias Figueiredo climbs all over Lukas Jutkiewicz (easy for you to type) and goes into the book.

Image source, Rex Features

Almost half an hour in and Hillal Soudani's early shot that went into orbit remains Forest's only effort on goal.

The home faithful are becoming frustrated.

Forest look a bit stunned after that Blues opener.

What have they got in response? It has to be said that they've created very little so far.

Wow, that's close for Birmingham.

Blues win a free-kick on the edge of the box and Gary Gardner bends it just past the left post.

Inches wide from the Villa loanee.

I've just noticed that Nottingham Forest forward Hillal Soudani is wearing number 2.

I'm not a fan of that at all.

Image source, Rex Features

The scrappy start to this match almost did change!

Omar Bogle cuts into the Forest box and sends a low shot inches past the right-hand post.

So close to an opener for Blues.

It's not the best first 10 or so minutes I've ever seen, but both sides look intent on playing attacking football.

They're just lacking a bit of quality in the final third. Plenty of time for that to change.

Forest midfielder Matty Cash tries to pick out Hillal Soudani in the box with a crossfield pass, but it's inches over the Algerian's outstretched boot.

Goal-kick.

It's been a really positive opening few minutes for the visitors.

Gary Gardner finishes a spell of pressure with a shot that skews wide from outside the area.

Hillal Soudani has the first effort at goal for Forest, but the Algerian fires his 25-yard shot miles over.

Forest, in their traditional red and white kit, get things under way.

Blues are in yellow shirts and blue shorts. No kit clashes here you'll be pleased to know.

Both teams make their way out at a sun-kissed City Ground.

Can Birmingham score? Can Nottingham Forest maintain their unbeaten start?

The next 90 minutes or so will answer those questions...

Nottingham Forest give a league debut to Sam Byram, while Jack Robinson and Hillal Soudani make their first league starts for the Reds.

Despite defeat at Bolton on Wednesday, Birmingham City boss Garry Monk sticks with the same team for the third straight game.

Nottm Forest: Pantilimon, Byram, Figueiredo, Fox, Robinson, Watson, Colback, Cash, Soudani, Gil Dias, Murphy.

Subs: Joao Carvalho, Osborn, Steele, Goncalves, Lolley, Bridcutt, Hefele.

Birmingham: Camp, Colin, Morrison, Dean, Pedersen, Jota, Gary Gardner, Kieftenbeld, Maghoma, Jutkiewicz, Bogle.

Subs: Roberts, Mahoney, Adams, Solomon-Otabor, Trueman, Lakin, Harding.

Last season Birmingham were the joint-lowest scorers in the Championship with just 38 goals.

This campaign has followed a similar pattern with three blanks in a row following the 2-2 draw against Norwich in the opening weekend.

"We created four or five really good opportunities, and the danger is that if you don't take those chances, it can cost you," Blues boss Garry Monk said after the 1-0 defeat at Bolton in midweek.

Wise words Garry, wise words.