It’s becoming more and more difficult to come up with new ways of stressing the importance of a much needed win for The Reds as each game approaches. Suffice to say that Saturday’s visit to Chesterfield is indeed a must win game.
You have to go back more than two months to find out when Forest last had an away win and it was on November 9 against Crewe. That day saw us put in an impressive performance and we came away with a 4-1 victory. Although Forest lie in joint third place and only two points off second, there is an uneasy feeling amongst supporters who are not entirely happy with the way things are going. Despite the clubs lofty league position confidence looks to be in short supply.
Goals have been something else in short supply and the fact that Grant Holt will be missing through suspension will not help to improve matters. In addition to Holt being out, Nathan Tyson will be serving the second of a three match ban.
If Forest’s recent form does not look too great, then the Spireites is even worse, as they had only won once this year before Saturday’s 3-0 win against Port Vale. A decent mid week draw against Carlisle could see them in up beat mode. Forest go into the game still smarting from the penalty they cost them maximum points to Blackpool in the 1-1 draw.
Vital Quotes:
Chesterfield Team News:
Spireites boss and former Ram Roy McFarland will be hoping to move his side further away from the relegation zone. Currently in 17th spot, they are hovering three points above the drop zone. They are resigned to being without influential new signing Jamie Ward with a hamstring. McFarland will also be looking to avenge the 4-0 drubbing they suffered at the City Ground.
Player to watch: Wayne Allison
In the absence of Ward, the key man will be Barry Roche, only joking, of course it won’t. But Wayne Allison could be.
Nottingham Forest Team News:
As said earlier Calderwood will be without front men Tyson and Grant Holt. This may lead him to recall Commons to take over from Lester behind the front two, or he may opt for Dobie to partner Lester and Agogo. Chambers is available for his first start in a Forest shirt and Clingan is also available to the manager. Just thought I’d mention Clingan in case the manager had forgotten about him.
Player to watch: Jack Lester
Although the striker seems to find 90 minutes a struggle, there is no doubting that he has become an integral part of the side since his return, playing an important roll behind the front two.
Match Facts & Stats
The sides have met 24 times in all competitions, with the Spireites having the better of things with 11 wins to our 8. 5 games have ended all square.
Next Fixtures:
Huddersfield Town. March 3, 2007. 3pm.
