Even the most optimistic of Reds fans would have struggled to predict that going into Christmas, Billy Davies would have led his side to third place in the league, but now, despite the Scot's repeated attempts to downplay his side's chances, Forest are firmly in the hunt for promotion. Two teams in the bottom-half of the table, Watford and Coventry are the final opponents for 2009, a year that started with a bang as big-spending Manchester City were seen off in the FA Cup, saw a close shave with relegation and now ends with dreams of an unexpected return to the top-flight. Preston North End were the latest side to be beaten by the new, improved Forest and their manager Alan Irvine was impressed with what he saw. "They are one of the best sides I have seen in this division and are certainly doing enough to compete at the very top," he said. "We were under no illusions in what we would be up against coming here because Billy Davies has spent well and brought a lot of very good players into what is a very big club."