The national media will be in full attendance at the City Ground this Saturday, but instead of reporting on the onfield events between Nottingham Forest and Leicester City, they will be more concerned with the antics and shenanegins of the two former England managers on the touch line, as Steve McClaren squares up to his England mentor, Sven Goran Eriksson . Rather surprisingly (to my mind at any rate), Forest v Leicester has not been chosen for live TV coverage.
It’s fair to say that both teams have had a sluggish start to the new campaign. That’s probably less of a concern for the Reds’, who are still very much a work in progress for new manager McClaren, as he continues with his squad rebuilding. Sven on the other hand, might have expected slightly better than his one win and two defeats on the bounce, following his £10m+ spending spree over the summer. Forest are one point better off at this early stage of the season, with one win, a draw and a defeat from their opening three Championship games.
Forest should go into this game with their confidence boosted, following the rather fortuitous 1-0 away win at Donny in midweek. Despite the fact that goalscoring chances have been few up to now, things could be about to change on that front, with new front men Ishmael Miller and Matthew Derbyshire expected to start.
Vital Quotes:
Nottingham Forest Team News:
It’s the usual suspects of Moussi, Blackstock, Anderson and McCleary in the treatment room, with no fresh injuries to report at this stage.
Player to watch: Matthew Derbyshire
The former Blackburn and Olympiakos striker, should get a warm welcome on his home debut, as will Ishmael Miller of course, but my money is on young Matty to be the one to watch. I have a feeling that he might go on to tear this division a new one…..if he gets the service.
Leicester City Team News:
Check back later after the Fester Official Site puts up some news.
Player to watch: Dave Nugent
The former Portsmouth and Burnley hit man knows how to score and will be a threat throughout. Morgan and Chambers had better be on their game, as he is capable of running them ragged.
Match Facts & Stats
In 92 league meetings between the two sides, Forest have won 35, lost 37 and drawn 20. Last season we won 3-2 at home and lost 1-0 at the Crisp Bowl.
Ref Watch:
Mr. Jonathan Moss
Match Prediction:
2-1 to the Reds’.
Next Fixtures:
West Ham Utd (h). Sun 28 August. (KO 13:15)
