Forest head to Watford on boxing day looking to keep their proud unbeaten away record in tact. Although Watford fans have been through the mill lately with the threat of administration hanging over their club, that does all seem to have cleared up now which will probably give both the fans and players a new found optimism to head into the new year with.
Revenge may well be in the air from Billy Davies team though after a 2 – 4 mauling at the hands of Watford earlier in the season which remains Forest only embarrassment from their 22 games so far.
Vital Quotes:
7 more away games to go to make it a whole year without an away defeat
Watford Team News:
Defender Craig Cathcart has a knee injury & will be out for the foreseeable future, Don Cowie missed the defeat away at Peterborough but should be set to return to the squad after illness as should former Derby striker Nathan Ellington. Ross Jenkins has had surgery on a persistent back problem won’t be available for quite some time.
Player to watch: Tom cleverley
With 7 goals so far in just 19 starts the Manchester United starlet is proving his worth as a replacement for Tommy Smith, he has also weighed in with 5 assists.
Nottingham Forest Team News:
It’s as you were for Forest. Billy Davies decision to rotate some of his players is paying dividends lately with no new injury worries.
Player to watch: Dexter Blackstock
He has missed the last 2 games after being rested & suffering from a virus but should he return to the starting line in this game he’ll be looking to add to his 5 goals and 4 assists from 17 appearances.
Match Facts & Stats
There have been 31 previous league fixtures between these two teams, Forest have the slenderest of leads having taken 11 victories with 10 Watford wins and 10 draws so it couldn’t be much closer. Despite the 4 – 2 hammering earlier this season though Forest do hold a comfortable lead on the goals front having scored 59 of the 98 goals this game has produced.
Ref Watch:
Premiership referee (some say) Andy D’urso will take charge of this fixture & will be assisted by Matt Foley ( of London) and Gary Young (Bedfordshire)
Fourth Official Gavin Muge (Bedfordshire)
Match Prediction:
I can see Forest coming away with another 3 points in this fixture but they will have to fight for it. Both teams like to play good passing attack minded football but Forest’s extra fire power up front may well be the difference & see them come out with a 2 – 1 away victory.
Next Fixtures:
Monday, 28 December 15:00
The Football League Championship
Nottm Forest v Coventry
