Once again the powers that be have unkindly decided to play this fixture on a Tuesday night, which will once again have a bearing on the attendance and the atmosphere for a game with a nice bit of rivalry about it. The good news though, is it’s probably not a bad time to be playing one of our fiercest rivals in this division, what with their indifferent start to the season.
Forest will go into this one with alot of confidence, following the 3-1 demolition job on Swansea at the weekend. The Blunts on the other hand, will still be smarting at their latest defeat away to Leeds. It’s not been the best of starts for Gary Speed since taking over the reigns in the summer, with 3 wins, a draw and 4 defeats from the opening 8 games. They currently sit in 18th position in the table on 10 points, just a point behind the Reds’ who occupy 11th place.
Vital Quotes:
Nottingham Forest Team News:
Robert Earnshaw looks like being absent again due to his thigh strain, but Nathan Tyson could be back in contention after recovering from a virus.
Player to watch: Lewis McGugan
Our born again midfielder is on fire at the moment, after bagging his 2nd brace of the season on Saturday against Swansea. He’s apparently undergoing a training schedule that starts at 8am to boost his fitness and get him conditioned to the levels demanded by the manager. It looks like it’s working and he’s rediscovered the form that made him a fans favourite when he first broke into the first team squad.
Sheffield United Team News:
The big brute that is Chris Morgan will be out due to a hamstring problem, whilst Rob Kozluk could miss out after picking up a knee injury last week. Striker Jamie Ward misses the game through suspension, after being red carded in the game at Leeds on Saturday.
Player to watch: Ched Evans
The former Man City striker has only found the net twice this season in his 8 appearances, but can be more than a handful on his day. He didn’t get much of a look in at City, but will be more than capable of getting his fair share of goals in the Championship.
Match Facts & Stats
There have been a total of 98 meetings in the league between the teams, in which Forest have won 40, drawn 25 and lost 33. Last season we managed a 1-0 win at home and a 0-0 draw at Bramall Lane.
Match Prediction:
I’m hopeful of stretching the unbeaten run to 8 games with a 1-0 victory.
Next Fixtures:
Donny v Forest (a). KO:3pm
