It’s the first trip on the road this season for Nottingham Forest, as they head for the Liberty Stadium and a meeting with last season’s League 1 Champions Swansea City.
The team that were head and shoulders above all others last season, had a Championship baptism of fire in their opening fixture last week, as they were beaten 2-0 away at Charlton. Forest’s Welsh international striker Robert Earnshaw can be sure of a warm welcome from the locals, as he used to play for their arch rivals Cardiff.
There will be no loved lost between the managers either, as Martinez still holds a grudge against Calderwood for taking former Swan loanee Paul Anderson off their hands. Unfortunately Anderson will miss the game through injury.
Forest will go into the game with confidence high, following an impressive start at home to Reading last week and the 4-0 thumping of Morecambe in midweek.
The only downer for Forest fans at the moment is that the strike force is still threadbare, with Little Earn the only fit striker available. New boy Lee Martin is expected to make his League debut, after impressing in the midweek Carling Cup game.
Famous people from Swansea:
The Valleys have spawned a fair few celebs, with none other than world renowned luvvies Sir Anthony Hopkins and Richard Burton (not with us anymore) claiming the place as home. Catherine Zeta Jones claims Swansea as her home, but for some reason prefers to live in Hollywood nowadays. Singer Bonnie Tyler hails from here, as does comedian Rob Brydon. Not bad really.
Vital Quotes:
Swansea City Team News:
The Swans welcome back last season’s goal machine Jason Scotland, as well as striker Gorka Pintado. Defender Fede Bessone will miss the game though, after suffering a broken rib.
Player to watch: Ferrie Bodde
The Sheep were hounding the Swans for his services in the summer and they did well to hold onto him. The midfielder has bagged 6 goals in 33 appearances since signing last year and controls everything the team does. He’s a playmaker who can change the course of a game and will have to be watched.
Nottingham Forest Team News:
Forest will again be without Tyson, Garner, Anderson and Cole. Added to the growing injury list is Arron Davies, who has a slight calf strain picked up in the game with Morecambe.
Player to watch: Guy Moussi
This will only be his second game in the Garibaldi, but he’s already a fans favourite. 6ft, 2inches of talent and not to be messed with either. He’s alot more than ‘the holding midfielder’ we were told he was. He ran the show against Reading, with timely tackles, good distribution of the ball and a bullet of a shot.
Match Facts & Stats
The last three meetings between the sides have all ended 0-0. The last time we won away at Swansea was back in 1983, with a 3-0 win in the old Division 1. It will probably be a bit closer this time.
Match Prediction:
Despite our lack of firepower up front, I’m going for a 2-1 victory.
Next Fixtures:
Forest v Watford (h). August 23. KO 3pm.
