On Sky
Forest return to the banks of the Trent this weekend for a fixture that sees Preston facing a few old faces in the form of Billy Davies, Ned Kelly & Paul McKenna. Forest will be looking to continue their excellent home form which has seen them score 9 goals in the last two games and remain unbeaten in the league since September. Perennial play off contenders Preston haven’t had the same kind of form this season and at the moment sit in a mid-table position but having won 7, drawn 8 & lost 6, their form is distinctly average.
Vital Quotes:
We’re not ready for promotion, like hell we’re not Billy
Nottingham Forest Team News:
With Earnshaw & Blackstock being rested for the Swans game, there seems to be a clean bill of health in the Forest squad.
Player to watch: Paul McKenna
The stalwart of the Forest midfield has seen many fans refer to him as the best captain we’ve had since Pearce & there are few that could argue, I’m not sure what kind of reception he’ll get from the Preston fans, but either way I’m sure he’ll rise to it.
Preston North End Team News:
Billy Jones should have recovered in time after a twisted ankle & Neil Mellor may return to the starting line up after dropping to the bench in the Plymouth game with a dead leg.
Player to watch: Neil Mellor
The former Liverpool striker has scored 6 goals & made 4 assists so far this season & if chosen up front will be North Ends main threat.
Match Facts & Stats
There have been 82 league games between these two clubs with Preston having the much better record over the years with 36 wins compared to Forest’s 25 (21 draws) and with such a healthy lead on victories it’s no surprise they’ve bagged the lions share of the goals too with 129 of the 246 goals this fixture has produced.
Ref Watch:
Fred Graham of Essex will be the referee for this fixture, he last took charge of a Forest game on a wonderful late spring day in May 2008 when Forest beat Yeovil 3 – 2 to secure promotion back to the Championship.
He will be assisted by David Benton of S. Yorkshire and Danny Gratton of Staffordshire& the 4th Official will be Dean Whitestone of Northamptonshire.
Match Prediction:
Forest’s home form has been excellent and although Preston shouldn’t be underestimated i can see Forest coming away with all the points in this game, i would expect it to be by a single goal though as Preston are certainly no mugs. Forest 2 – 1 Preston
Next Fixtures:
Saturday, 26 December 12:00
The Football League Championship
Watford v Nottm Forest
