Forest put their 16 game unbeaten league run to one side this weekend as they entertain Birmingham City in the FA Cup 3rd round. Many may see this game as a distraction, but with Brum being recently promoted to the Premiership as runners up in the the Championship & looking certainties to stay there, this game will go a long way to show how far we have come & which of our current squad are up to the job at the next level.
Vital Quotes:
The league is put to bed for 2 weeks, so sit back, relax & enjoy the chance to kill another ‘giant’.
Nottingham Forest Team News:
Forest have no new injury worries ahead of this game but we could see Billy Davies rest some key players ahead of the next league game with McKenna & Majewski the most likely to sit this one out.
Player to watch: Rob Earnshaw
With another goal to his name last Monday, he’ll be wanting to hit one of his famous scoring runs to keep him in the team.
Birmingham City Team News:
There wont be too many surprises in the Birmingham line up with Alex McLeish naming an unchanged side for the last 8 (eight) successive games.
Player to watch: Lee Bowyer
The one time England midfielder is the current Brum top scorer with 5 goals to his name so far.
Match Facts & Stats
These two teams have met 7 times in FA Cup competition with 2 Forest wins, 2 Birmingham wins & 3 draws. Forest have the better scoring record though with 8 goals compared to Birmingham’s 5.
Forest have knocked out Premiership opposition in 2 of the last three seasons (Charlton & Manchester City) While Birmingham City have been knocked out of the FA Cup at the third round stage in 2 of the last 3 seasons.
Birmingham are currently on a club record 11 game unbeaten run in the top flight which is a record at the club for over 100 years, while Forest are on a 16 game unbeaten run of their own.
Match Prediction:
History shows that when Forest play Birmingham in the FA Cup it goes to a replay & i can see this one going the same way. Both teams are tight at the back so it won’t be a goal frenzy, i see this game going back to St Andrews after a 1 – 1 draw.
Next Fixtures:
Friday, 8 January 19:45
The Football League Championship
West Brom v Nottm Forest
