Nottingham Forest were left licking their wounds as Yeovil recorded a surprise 3-1 victory at Huish Park last Saturday. It was their first defeat in eight games and only their second of the season but it was one which left their manager Billy Davies seething. He accused his players of being complacent and seen it as a wake-up call that this league is just as competitive as it has ever been. They get a chance to atone for their lacklustre display on Saturday against a side who sit two places above them. A win would see them leapfrog their opponents and get back on the winning trail. Having been tipped by many to go up this season, their current position of sixth is more than acceptable, but they know that it’s all about regaining the winning thread as soon as possible following a defeat.
I’ve left Blackpool alone for a few weeks after opposing them several times in the early part of the season. I still remain unconvinced that they are capable of remaining in the top six, or even the top half, but they have proved me wrong thus far. Having lost just one match all season (away at Millwall), they are a stubborn and well drilled side. They do find it difficult to win games, however, as their record of one win in their last seven league games will testify to. Their last away win came all the way back in the middle of September so they are by no means prolific on their travels. They’re also one of the lowest scorers in the top half of the Championship and Tom Ince accounts for just under half of those.
Forest undoubtedly have one of the biggest squads in the league and Billy Davies has no shortage of options if he wishes to shuffle his pack after last weekend. Having not had to worry about the League Cup in midweek has will have been able to focus the minds of his squad on the match against Blackpool for the best part of a week and I’d be surprised if they don’t come out the blocks fast on Saturday.
Paul Ince will serve his third match of a five game stadium ban on Saturday after inappropriate behaviour in the away game at Bournemouth. His players have managed to pick up four points in the first two games he’s missed but both of those have been at Bloomfield Road so this presents a new challenge itself. Alex Rae has been in charge in Ince’s absence and the Scot will be hoping he can continue his unbeaten record this weekend, in what will be his sternest test to date.
No prizes for guessing that I’m siding with the home side in this one. I watched Blackpool against Wigan a couple of weeks ago and I was scratching my head at how they came away with all three points. I can’t see the same happening on Saturday as Forest will be fired up and are defending a proud unbeaten home record.
Nottingham Forest 17/20 Paddypower
