Nottingham Forest welcome table toppers Burnley to the City Ground on Saturday, where they will hope to pick up from where they left off prior to yet an other international break. Last time out, the Reds’ ran out 2-0 victors at local rivals and 2nd placed in the table Leicester City.
The Reds’ fine form at home will be severely tested in this fixture, with Burnley having lost only once on their travels so far this season, with a 2-0 away defeat at Brighton. In fact, that’s been the only defeat the Clarets have suffered so far this campaign under the increasingly impressive Sean Dyche. Whilst Forest won 2-0 at Leicester on their last outing, Burnley were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Bournemouth.
Burnley sit 2 points clear of second placed Leicester at the top of the Championship table and 8 points ahead of the Reds’. With the formidable pairing of Ings and Vokes up front, they are justifiable pace setters at this stage of the season. The Clarets front men have found the target an impressive 23 times between them so far this season.
Vital Quotes:
Nottingham Forest Team News:
The curse of the international break has hit the Reds’ hard, with both Vaughan and Reid sustaining hamstring injuries that will keep them out of this game. Defender Jack Hobbs is also a doubt, with news that he has picked up a virus. They will all be added to the list that includes long term injured Wilson and Collins.
Player to watch: Henri Lansbury
The former Arsenal midfielder is having a great season so far and has at last found the sort of consistency in his game that was missing last year. He’s managed to chip in with 5 goals so far this campaign and in the absence of Andy Reid, will once again need to be on top of his game to nullify the threat from Vokes and Ings.
Burnley Team News:
Sean Dyche has only one injury concern ahead of this game, with winger Ross Wallace out of action since August with a knee problem.
Player to watch: Danny Ings
Danny Ings is in the form of his life and has hit the back of the net 14 times in 19 appearances for Burnley this season. He received his call up to the England U21’s this month and scored twice in the recent 9-0 hammering of San Marino.
Match Facts & Stats
The two sides have played 103 games against each other, which has seen the Reds’ win 37, lose 40 and draw 26. Earlier this season Burnley managed a 2-0 win over us at Turf Moor in the Capital One Cup, with that man Danny Ings getting both goals.
Ref Watch:
Carl Boyson
Match Prediction:
I’ll take a 1-1 draw right now.
Next Fixtures:
Nov 29. FRIDAY NIGHT! Forest v Reading (KO: 7.45pm).
