Sky Sports pundit Andy Hinchcliffe does not believe Nottingham Forest will make the play-offs despite their stunning form.
The former Everton defender was speaking on the EFL Sky Sports podcast in which promotion and play-off contenders were discussed.
The Reds have been in unbelievable form since Steve Cooper's arrival back in October and have beaten both Arsenal and Leicester in the FA Cup.
But despite their excellent form of recent months, Hinchcliffe does not feel they will be in the top six when the season finishes.
"A couple of podcasts ago I tipped a Boro and Sheffield United play-off final," he said.
"I just thought Chris Wilder against his boyhood team, I can see that happening.
"They will be in there. QPR, I'm sure, will be in there. Blackburn, I'd like to think they'd be in there. They've done incredibly well, but can they stay in there?
"There are probably two or three teams who can take one of those four out of the equation. I am going for Blackburn, QPR, Middlesbrough and Sheffield United.
Asked about Forest, he said: "No, I just think that they might finish just outside the play-off places."
Hinchcliffe's claims may serve as an inspiration to Forest who are only two points behind Middlesbrough who are in sixth.
The Reds are back in action on Friday when they travel to title-chasers Bournemouth but they will do so without goalkeeper Brice Samba who is suspended.
He was sent off in Saturday's 2-2 draw with Stoke after lashing out at Phil Jagielka leading to Joe Worrall going in goal.
And discussing the events of the game, Hinchliffe said: "Brice Samba. What are you doing?"
