Forest welcome the Bluebirds of Cardiff to the City Ground on Saturday and hope to get their first win in 11 games. All is set for a fiery encounter, with the Boyo’s of Wales being well backed, with over 2,000 of them expected to make the trip. Keep your eye out for the head slapping ‘Ayatollah’, should be good for a laugh.
The Bluebirds are flying high at the moment, sitting comfortably in 5th. Although they are yet to lose on their travels, they have only won once away from Ninian Park and have drawn 5. We of course sit bottom of the pile and are in desperate need of a win. Anything less than 3 points for the Reds’, will see many fans calling for Calderwood’s head on a stick. This game could be one too many for some, including myself. After 12 games so far, I think we had a right to expect a little more than a miserable 6 points, even with the long list of injuries.
Cardiff may have lost Aaron Ramsey to Arsenal in the summer, but they still have Peter Whittingham and Joe Ledley to boast about. Whittingham was of course a Forest target in the summer, but apparently Chairmen Peter Ridsdale wanted a little too much for him. Also in the Bluebirds ranks, is another former Reds’ target, Ross McCormack. He just didn’t fancy us at all.
The Forest faithful will get behind the lads to start with, as they set about trying to quieten the vocal away support, but things could get very ugly if we go behind. I hope for the sake of CC we get an early goal and that we go on to claim the points. His luck has unfortunately run out on the terraces and a hostile atmosphere could see the end of his tenure. We need that win.
Vital Quotes:
Nottingham Forest Team News:
Hopefully Robert Earnshaw will return to face one of his former clubs. He’ll get a warm welcome from the travelling support, having served them well. Bennett, Garner and the Moose will definitely be missing, but a starting place could be in the offing for fit again Lewis McGugan. Perch may or may not make an appearance, as the club have gone awfully quiet on him lately.
Player to watch: Luke Chambers
I urge anyone who thinks this guy can play, to take time out to watch him. Just see how easy Peter Whittingham glides past him and leaves him for dead. You will be able to count on one finger, how many times he gets the ball to a Red shirt and your neck will ache from watching him hoof the ball into the clouds at every given opportunity. If we want to know why we’re in the position we are, then CC’s perceverance in picking his pet boy, is part of the answer.
Cardiff City Team News:
Joe Ledley has been out with a groin strain, but is expected to return for this one. Unfortunately there’s no place for former Forest player, Riccardo Scimeca, who misses out with an ankle injury.
Player to watch: Joe Ledley
Cardiff did well to hang on to him in the summer after being touted by quite a few Prem clubs’. He’s the playmaker and makes them tick. If we can keep him quiet, then we’re in with a shout.
Match Facts & Stats
The two sides have met a total of 34 times in the League, with the Bluebirds holding the bragging rights. Forest have won 10, to their 16. 8 games have been drawn. Last time we met at the City Ground, Forest ran out 3-0 winners.
Match Prediction:
Only a fool would predict a Forest win. So it’s 2-1 to the Reds’.
Next Fixtures:
FLC. Palace (a). 28/10/08. KO. 8pm
