Forest travel to Premiership Champions Chelsea on Sunday, in the 4th round of the FA Cup. Even the most die hard of supporters would admit the Reds are on a hiding to nothing, but that hasn’t stopped nearly 6,500 of them queueing in freezing conditions to snap up the tickets for a glamour tie against the wide boys of the old Kent Road.
Despite the off field antics at the Bridge regarding the future of ‘the special one,’ Chelsea are unlikely to take the game lightly and will probably put out the strongest side available. So the likes of Lampard and Drogba will be able to pit their wits against Wes and Co.
Although the match has been much anticipated by Forest fans, promotion is still the key objective for the season, but the game should come as a welcome respite from the rigours of the League. So long as they give a good account of themselves and the fans have a good day out the result is immaterial.
Previous encounters in the competition do not bode well for the Reds. Forest have failed to register a win against them in the FA Cup, the last time the sides met in 2000, Chelsea ran out 2-0 winners, with goals from Leboeuf and Wise.
Vital Quotes:
Chelsea Team News:
The match could see a return to the heart of the Chelsea defence for former Red John Terry, who has been out with a back strain. The much maligned Andriy Shevchenko could also start after bagging two goals in the Carling semi against Wycombe. It has been 8 games since the Blues lost an FA Cup tie at home, just one more stat that suggests Forest have a monumental task on their hands. But that as they say is what the cup is all about. For once the Reds can look forward to recieving the support of the entire nation, outside of Kensington at any rate.
Player to watch: All of them
Take your pick from Terry, Lampard, Makelele, Ballack, Wright-Phillips, Essien, Drogba, Shevchenko, A. Cole and even goalkeeper Cech. You can draw a little comfort from the fact that Arjen Robben may be injured
Nottingham Forest Team News:
Forest can recall Sammy Clingan back after suspension, whilst they will wait on the fitness of Ian Breckin with a slight foot strain.
Player to watch: Nathan Tyson
We are going to be expecting an awful lot from our star striker. He and Grant Holt will look forward to terrorising the Chelsea defence.
Match Facts & Stats
Ref Watch:
Mr. A.G. Wiley. The man in black has had 25 games this season and dished out 64 yellows and 3 reds.
