Middlesbrough visit the City Ground this week in game most fans simply want to get out of the way ahead of the weekends fixture. A win here would though still signify forest’s 1st win over a Championship team this season & would bring the possiblity of a big draw in the next round.
Vital Quotes:
A win here in this competition few care about could be the very thing needed to kick start our campaign
Nottingham Forest Team News:
Forest’s defensive troubles have worsened still further with the news that Joel Lynch will probably miss this game with a back injury which may see either Garath McCleary play at right back & Gunter moved over to left back, or Chris Cohen cover at left back again. Kelvin Wilson will be out for another month along with long term injury victims James Perch & Julian Bennett at the back. Lewis McGugan and Guy Moussi are the only others out though injury.
Player to watch: David McGoldrick
The new million pound signing has already weighed in with a goal and an assist from just 2 start & 2 substitute appearances this season. Whether he’ll start up front or on the right is not known but it seems he’s going to get an extended run in the team.
Middlesbrough Team News:
The early championship leaders may field a weakened team in this game, their 1st appearance in the League cup after being given a by into the second round. The defence though has yet to concede a goal and the centre back partnership of David Wheater and Robert Huth have been impenetrable so far. Tuncay Sanli has also contributed well to their good start to the season with 2 goals from the bench & Leroy Lita bagged his 1st boro goal last weekend.
Player to watch: Adam Johnson
The 22 year old has stepped into Stewart Downing’s shoes with ease & is Middlesbroughs top scorer with three goals and an assists in his 1st start.
Match Facts & Stats
These two teams have met just once in this competition with forest coming out 3 – 1 winners thanks to a Tony Woodcock hatrick. Forest went on to lose in the final to Wolves 1 – 0.
Ref Watch:
Ref: Mr K WRIGHT
Assistants: Mr K Lawson and Mr M Murphy
Fourth Official: Mr N Smith
Match Prediction:
Lets go for a high scoring draw after 90 minutes & a pulsating period of extra time with forest winning by the odd goal. 3 – 2
Next Fixtures:
Saturday, 29 August 2009 13:00.
The Football League Championship
Nottm Forest v Derby
