THE last time Birmingham visited the City Ground, it proved to be something of a landmark moment.
Hundreds of protesters, a bad performance and a bad result led to a historic night in the history of the club.
Steve McClaren's managerial tenure was ended and Nigel Doughty stepped down as chairman, while putting the club up for sale.
Less than a year down the line, with the Blues set to return to Nottingham, things could hardly be more different.
Birmingham are the ones whose ownership and financial future is currently in question.
While Forest (and Notts County, for the matter – but more of that later) are flying high towards the right end of the table.
I can't promise that Sean O'Driscoll's side will win this afternoon. I suspect they will, given the way they are performing so far this season.
But I can tell you with absolute certainty that they will pose a far stiffer test to Birmingham than they did in 2011.
Because things are just so different now. Last season, when Dexter Blackstock got injured, Forest did not have a recognised, regular goal scorer to replace him with.
I have always been a big fan of Marcus Tudgay, for his honesty, drive and work rate – and because he is a solid Championship striker. But he is not a 20-goal-a-season man.
Today, Forest will go into the game with summer signing Simon Cox a slight injury doubt. He might be fit enough for the bench, but he is unlikely to start.
But, this year, that is hardly an issue. Because, while he is an outstanding player at this level, Forest have another one, waiting in the wings, to slot right into the side.
And that is the major difference this season.
While Sean O'Driscoll has introduced a fluid, flowing, entertaining brand of football, he has also built a squad with strength in depth.
It was no surprise when he said, prior to today's game, that Forest's shopping was done for the summer, despite the fact that clubs can sign loan players again now the window is open.
Personally, I might have considered bringing in an experienced defender, just to add a little cover in the back four.
But Forest can still do that in the future, if they do find themselves hampered by injuries or suspensions.
In the meantime, if Cox isn't fit enough for the starting line-up, Forest have Billy Sharp as a fall back option.
There are not many Championship clubs who can turn to a player of that quality to fill the void.
And his words this weekend have filled me with enthusiasm and admiration as well.
Regular readers of this column will know how much I detest players who are happy to sit on the bench or in the stands and just take their money.
But Sharp says he left Southampton precisely because he did not want to do that.
He was surprised to find out that he would be a peripheral figure with the Saints – and it comes as a shock to me as well, given that he is a natural goal scorer.
But Southampton's loss is Forest's gain and, with him on loan for the rest of the season – and Cox, Tudgay and Dexter Blackstock in the squad – O'Driscoll's side will not be short of goals this season.
Birmingham started the campaign as one of the favourites for promotion.
But, for me, with the additions they have made over the summer, Forest have a better chance of securing a place in the Premier League.
And we would not have said that a year ago.
Momentum counts for a lot in football and, having just missed out on the play-offs last season, I am not surprised to see Notts County flying high again this time around.
There is a long way to go this season, but make no mistake – the Magpies are proving they are capable of challenging for promotion.
Some people questioned the signings Keith Curle made during the summer, but his judgment looks to be solid so far.
It is great to see Notts sitting pretty at the top the of the table, prior to their trip to Oldham today.
Let's not get carried away if they do slip off the top spot, because a top-six finish would still be superb – and enough to give them a chance of Championship football.
But, if they keep winning at home and collecting points away, then they have a chance.
Wouldn't it be great to see both Nottingham clubs promoted this season?
Fingers crossed.
