We go into this cup game with me very low on confidence of us causing an upset; when the game was drawn I was reasonably excited, not a “huge” game by any stretch of the imagination, but a chance to upset some struggling Premiership opponents – at the time, with a hapless manager in charge, and of course, a possible reunion with former Forest player Andy Reid – all in all, a no lose situation for us really.
Since then it’s transpired Reidy is injured thus won’t be playing, and Charlton of course have sacked hapless Reed and installed Alan Pardew as manager, since then we have gone on a dreadful run of league form – culminating in a 5-0 spanking at the hands of Oldham Athletic on new years day. It’s not exactly enough to fill you with confidence, now is it?
It’s not all going Charlton’s way though – they’re not allowed to field Scott Carson in goal, they have injuries to aforementioned Andy Reid, Marcus Bent and Hermann Hreidarsson, and Osei Sankofa is to serve a suspension – although if you cast your eye down their squadlist, it’s hard to imagine our plodding defenders getting much change from the likes of Hasselbaink, Marcus Bent or Rommedahl!
Forest have a few absentees as well; John Thompson is cup-tied, which is a bit of poor planning, Nicky Southall, Danny Cullip and Sammy Clingan are suspended and influential (well, when he feels like it) Kris Commons is still out with injury. Wes Morgan has recovered from illness in the nick of time, but it will certainly leave the Forest side looking somewhat unfamiliar, with a probable return for the maligned Julian Bennett either as part of a back three with Breckin and Morgan, or perhaps as a left back should we employ a back four (I wish!).
Charlton have a surprisingly good record against us; historically they would’ve been the least favoured team too more often than not - last time we met in 2000 Smoulderwood was sent off for two bookable offences, and none other than John Terry was a second half substitute for the mighty Reds; despite being down to ten men we equalised an earlier Charlton goal from the penalty spot – Accrington ‘super star’ Alan Rogers winning the penalty that Bart-Williams converted.
All in all, I’ve lost all hope of an us causing an upset in the light of recent performances – and to be honest, would question whether we really need the distraction of a cup run when our league form is a stutter. I foresee a comfortable win for Charlton, and just hope that the scoreline isn’t too embarrassing – because even though a full league separates us, I would still expect us to put up a good fight, but that could be an expectation too far.
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Cheer up man! There are definetly some positives that we should take into this game. Firstly the fringe players who are likely to get a game are going to be hungry and desperate to make an impact which will work in our favour. Secondly, Charlton may underestimate us somewhat, given our recent results. Thirdly, well the referee isn’t from Leicester…
You don’t have to look far among the Forest fans to find some optimism! I feel a little better for reading that, but still can’t see beyond a convincing defeat
You know it might do us some good after the Oldham debacle…..! A chance to regroup and let Smolders sort things out (see!! – I’m an optimist!)
And if we get beat, as we are supposed to – so what. Nice as a half decent FA Cup run might be, we should be concentrating on the League. Always best to say it BEFORE you get knocked out!!!!
Time to play…”If I was the gaffer”…
Here’s the best starting line-up I could come up with, had to play Perch and Lester out of position, because we don’t have any wingers available. 4-4-2, I’m going with:-
Smith
Curtis, Morgan, Breckin, Bennett
Perch, Ga Holt, Hughes, Lester
Tyson, Agogo
Subs:- Pedersen, Bencherif, McGugan, Dobie, Gr Holt
Only tough choice is between Agogo and Holt up-front, have a feeling Calderwood may go 4-3-3 though…
S’always a good game… if it were me I’d be tempted by:
Smith
Perch, Morgan, Breckin, Curtis
Dobie, Ga. Holt, Hughes
Gr. Holt, Agogo, Tyson
Whilst I’d hate to have to do it, I’d ask Tyson to drop in to left wing when needed in a more 4-4-2 look; I reckon Dobie has pace enough to be potentially decent on the wing, no idea what his crossing is like, though.
You just know it’s gonna be a 3-4-3 though
This is a certain win for us. Smoulders will tell the players to go out and enjoy themselves. There’s no pressure – we’ve had a crap Christmas and lost the league lead, but this game has nothing to do with anything. If we lose – well we’re in poor form so who’s surprised? If we lose but put three passes together at some point then we can feel good that we’re looking better. If we win – we may get the chance at another premiership home game. Anyway it turns out, the players can just have a go and enjoy the game so that they actually want to be on the pitch for the next game with a three point label attached. 2-0 at half time and game over. You Reds!
I admire your optimism!
I too think Forest will win today, looking forward to the match in some strange way. Must be the magic of the Fa Cup. 2-1 to forest. Just looked at Charltons squad for today and too be honest, apart from Jimmy Floyd, THey look awful. Come on you reds lets kick start our season again.
Quietly smug…
Can’t wait for MOTD – for a change.
You should be loudly smug!