Forest welcome a resurgent and much improved Swindon Town to the City Ground on Saturday and will look to continue their good home form, that sees us unbeaten in 13 games at home.
As we all know it’s away from home where problems start for the Reds, but the Robins should not be taken lightly. Since new manager Maurice Malpas took charge, they have only lost once in seven games. Their impressive run under the new guy started in his first game which of course was a 2-1 win over us at the County Ground last month.
Swindon now lie in 10th place, just 5 points from the playoffs. Forest sit in 4th and are 6 points off the 2nd automatic promotion spot. The 2-1 defeat at the County Ground in January came as a result of two own goals from James Perch and Ian Breckin, in one of our worst performances of the season.
Vital Quotes:
Swindon midfielder Lee Peacock told the Swindon Advertiser. ‘We had a great result earlier in the season and we just need to take the positives and remember where we have gone wrong. A big thing is the good results we have got this season we have worked harder than the other team. We closed them down quicker and did it as a unit rather than as individuals. So if we can be on top of our game from the first minute we will give it a good go. We can’t allow them to hurt us early.’
Nottingham Forest Team News:
The Reds will be without Grant Holt and Julian Bennett, who miss the game through suspension. Matty Lockwood is expected to deputise for Bennett and Junior Agogo could replace Holt, after his return from the ACON. New signing Garath McLeary may get his first run out and could also figure in Calderwood’s plans. Midfielder Lewis McGugan who picked a back injury in the midweek game with Lucky Leeds is a concern. He will be given as long as possible to recover before a decision is made.
Player to watch: Chris Cohen
He is becoming the workhorse of the midfield and an important part of the team now. His phenomenal workrate and ability is always a major factor when we do well.
Swindon Town Team News:
Swindon will be without top scorer Simon Cox, who misses out due to suspension. Barry Corr, the former Sheffield Wednesday striker should replace him. He’s just recovered from a bad back injury that kept him out of the side for months.
Player to watch: Billy Paynter
The former Southend frontman signed for the Robins at the start of the season and has so far bagged 8 goals in all competitions.
Match Facts & Stats
The two sides have met a total of 15 times in the League. Forest have won 8, lost 2 and drawn 5.
Ref Watch:
Mr. Dave Foster (Newcastle)
Match Prediction:
2-0 Forest. Forever the optimist.
Next Fixtures:
Carlisle Utd (a). February 19. KO 7.45pm.
