Forest welcome Cheltenham Town to the City Ground for the first time ever this weekend and will hope that’s where the hospitality ends. As we all know now, this is not the time in the season to be giving away points, so nothing short of a win will do to in the push for promotion.
The Reds will look to continue where they left off against Gillingham after there last gasp 1-0 win. They will need to be wary of a Robins side who love nothing more than upsetting a good party. Despite their lowly position of 21st in the table and looking like prime candidates for relegation, last seasons playoff winners have taken some big scalps. Yeovil, Swansea, Bristol City and last week, Doncaster, have all fallen to Cheltenham. All these victories were away from home as well.
The 2-0 away win at Doncaster, was the Robins first win in six games. Sitting third from bottom, the points are as important to them, as they are us. It looks set to be another tense one. The Robins will have a few interesting players to look at. Namely former Reds John Finnigan and Craig Armstrong, as well as the cousin of Burnley striker Ade Akinbiyi, one Kayode Odejayi, who happens to be the top scorer with 12 goals this season.
Vital Quotes:
Nottingham Forest Team News:
Forest are still without the injured Prutton for this game and look set to miss Wes Morgan at the heart of defence, with an ankle injury. Also sidelined is Junior Agogo, who also misses out on international duty with Ghana, with a groin problem.
Manager Colin Calderwood is able to recall defender Julian Bennett, after he finished his two match ban. New kid on the block and Colin’s latest signing James Henry, the loan signing from Reading, is also in contention. No one except Colin has seen him play, but Colin says, he’s quick and he can cross. Well bring him on, it’s a long time since we’ve seen someone do that in a Red shirt.
Player to watch: Lewis McGugan
The former baby of the squad at 19, has been ousted from his cot by new signing James Henry,17. But there is no doubting Lewis’s growing maturity. I can’t remember the last time a Forest player looked so comfortable on the ball. He really is a delight to watch at the moment.
Cheltenham Town Team News:
Cheltenham look set to keep faith with the side that stunned Doncaster last week. And why shouldn’t they?
Player to watch: Kayode Odejayi.
The wild Kayode is cousin to Ade Akinbiyi, the former Blunt. The 6ft,2inch striker has hit 12 goals in all competitions this term, so will have to be watched.
Match Facts & Stats
This will be only the second time the sides have met. Last time out at Whaddon Road, Forest ran out 2-0 winners courtesy of a Nicky Southall brace.
Match Prediction:
A very twitchy 1-0 win again
Next Fixtures:
Bristol City. Away. Sat, March 31, 2007. 3pm
