Bristol will come to the City Ground on better form than the Reds, who as we all know have had rather a wobble in form lately, particularly at home. Bristol’s away form is pretty impressive, so it’s a worrying fixture for the mighty Reds. Of course, it is also a top-of-the-table first versus second clash too, with the winner claiming the top of the league spot – so there’s a bit at stake, and with a large away following expected, the occasion and the size of the crowd should have the City Ground buzzing.
We don’t really have any new injury concerns, Gary Holt has finally gone for surgery so is unavailable, and I’d expect Sammy Clingan to take his place in the centre of midfield. Bristol are missing Jamie McAllister in their defence, owing to him picking up his fifth booking of the season last week. They have former Yeovil striker Phil Jevons up front, and he’s always impressed me in the past against Forest, so we’ll have to watch out for him.
Ultimately I think if Bristol come and take the game to us it could be interesting – they’re a talented side, but Forest would be more capable of hitting them on the break, since we never seem to really take the initiative at home – particularly in the first half. If Bristol come and play defensively then a cagey 0-0 is on the cards. Looking at recent form, I’m fearful Bristol will sneak a result from us and go top, but then I am a born pessimist!
A win would see us in a very commanding position in the league, it would put is five points clear of second place – it’s probably the reason for the trepidation, in recent times when glorious opportunities present themselves Forest usually conspire to underperform and fuck it up – here’s hoping that particular habit is ended and I’m just being negative!
Filed under: News
