SEAN O'Driscoll says Nottingham Forest must continue to be wary of opposition strengths when they pick their own team for the rest of the season.
The Reds face promotion rivals Brighton on the south coast today and the manager says he will again try to find the right formula to nullify the Seagulls' most potent threats.
O'Driscoll says Forest will eventually get to the point where they can just pick a side and let the opposition worry about them – but warns that may not happen until next season.
And, in the meantime, he says the Reds must continue to look at the opposition strengths, as well as their weaknesses, as they seek a blueprint for success in the Championship.
"It has to be in your mind," he said. "You have to look at a team's strengths. We are not in a position yet where we can just turn up and play.
"We are not there yet and I don't think we will be this season.
"We have to look at the opposition strengths – but we will also look at their weaknesses and where we might be able to exploit things.
"A combination of the two is what you are aiming for. You can meld the two together."
Forest were criticised for fielding a 4-5-1 approach against Hull earlier in the month, to counter City's habit of packing their midfield.
But O'Driscoll believes comments from Watford boss Gianfranco Zola, after his side had been beaten by the Tigers 2-1 last weekend, vindicated that decision.
"It was interesting to hear Zola's comments after Watford had played Hull, when he talked about the threat they posed, when it comes to how they set themselves up and how they play.
"It is the professional thing to do, to look at those things.
"(Brighton manager) Gus Poyet will be looking at us, at how he thinks he can cause us some problems.
"It is up to us to deal with that. We have to make sure that, if plan A does not work, we have a plan B and then a plan C.
"If plan C doesn't work, then maybe we have a problem!"
Midfielder Simon Gillett has this week spoken about how he believes Forest are becoming increasingly adaptable in the formations they play.
"I am glad he is saying that!" said O'Driscoll. "That is what you would like to do.
"It is not to be clever, it is just so you have an alternative, whether that be to change your point of attack or to shore up part of your defence."
