Nottingham Forest welcome Blackpool to the City Ground this weekend in a kids for a quid fixture that will see former Forest player Bret Ormerod return to Nottingham. Forest go into this game on the back of a 5 game unbeaten run while Blackpool are coming into the game on the back of an impressive win and performance at home to Newcastle.
Vital Quotes:
With 2 home wins behind Forest this is the point where they can kick on and prove themselves to be a force in the Championship. A win will mean three home wins and three away draws from 6 (promotion form) while a draw or defeat could undo some of the great work that has been done over the last month.
Nottingham Forest Team News:
There are Forest players coming out of the treatment room all over the place at the moment. Majewski is ready to return to the 1st team while McGugan, Wilson & Lynch are all getting back to full fitness. Nathan Tyson will return to the first team squad also after spending time with his family following the birth of his 3rd child. Joe Garner will miss this game though after receiving his 5th booking of the season away at Ipswich.
Player to watch: Rob Earnshaw
Came on as a sub in the last game & made an immediate impact by scoring the equalizer. He then told the local radio he’s not happy at not starting games & wants to be in the first choice 11. May well get his chance to start in this game & needs to make it count if he wants to stay there
Blackpool Team News:
Blackpool have their own injury problems with Gary Taylor-Fletcher out with an ankle ligament injury which could see him out of action for several month, Danny Coid, Stephen McPhee and Daniel Nardiello will also miss out while Ben Burgess is rated as doubtful meaning they could be without up to 4 first team strikers.
Player to watch: Bret Ormerod
He Scored his 1st goal of the season in the win against Newcastle and will be looking to get one over on his old club.
Match Facts & Stats
These two teams battled out 2 draws last season and although our paths haven’t crossed too often over the decades it’s a fixture that Blackpool haven’t tasted victory in since October 1976 & they haven’t won at the City Ground since 1964. Forest have won 28 of the previous 72 games with Blackpool winning 22 and a further 22 draws. Forest have comfortably out scored their opponents by 104 goals to 88.
Ref Watch:
Saturdays referee will be Andrew Penn of the West Midlands and will be assisted by Wayne Barratt of Worcestershire and Mark Brown of East Yorkshire.
The Fourth Official will be Geoff Law of Leicestershire.
Match Prediction:
This week I’m banking of a good home performance with some goals. 3 – 1 home win
Next Fixtures:
Tuesday, 22 September 19:45
League Cup 3rd Round
Nottingham Forest v Blackburn Rovers
