Forest welcome a struggling Middlesbrough team to the City Ground on Tuesday night and will be looking to bounce back from the disappointing 3-1 defeat away at Barnsley on Saturday. Boro’s under fire manager Gordon Strachan will also be looking for his side to show signs of bouncebackability, following their latest 2-1 defeat at home to Leeds. Cue the chants of ‘you’re getting sacked in the morning” if it all goes tits up for Strachan and his Bhoys.
The Reds’ saw a 9 game unbeaten run end at Oakwell, but we’ll be confident on our own turf where we remain unbeaten in the League for over a year now. However, that confidence is a fragile one at present and could really do with a win to give it a boost.
It’s not known at the time of writing if Billy Davies will have recovered from the virus complaint that forced him to miss the trip to Barnsley. Hopefully he will have done, because he was sorely missed at the weekend.
Vital Quotes:
Nottingham Forest Team News:
Striker Robert Earnshaw missed his 3rd game due to a thigh strain on Saturday and it’s touch and go if he’ll be fit in time for the visit of Boro. Nathan Tyson also missed the Barnsley game, but could be back in contention for this.
Player to watch: Lewis McGugan
He bagged his 5th of the season on Saturday and was the only shining light in an otherwise sorry performance from the lads. He’s on fire at the moment and our only real threat going forward.
Middlesbrough Team News:
None available at the time of writing.
Player to watch: Kris Boyd
The one time Forest target has found his return to the English Leagues tough going since his free transfer from Rangers in the summer and has only found the net 3 times so far this campaign. The Scottish international will have to be watched though and will be in a confident mood, after bagging their consolation goal at the weekend.
Match Facts & Stats
In 55 meetings between the 2 teams, Forest have won 19, lost 17 and drawn 26. Last season at the City Ground we managed a 1-0 win thanks to a 2nd half strike from Chris Cohen. The game at The Riverside ended 1-1, with a Robert Earnshaw free kick earning a point.
Match Prediction:
I’m going for a 1-1 tense, but dull game.
Next Fixtures:
Ipswich (h). Saturday, 23/10/10. KO:3pm.
