Coca Cola Championship
Saturday 17th October
Nottingham Forest v Newcastle United
Live on Sky Sports 1
Kick Off 5.20pm
Forest have recently rallied after an stuttering start to the season and go into this tough tie in good shape. The last time I wrote about Forest was for their game against Plymouth on the 27th September where they were sitting in 19th spot. That win against Plymouth was the start of an impressive 3 game spell that has seen Forest climb up to 10th place which puts them within striking range of the play off places. They followed the Plymouth win with a 2-0 home victory over Scunthorpe and then after going a goal behind at Peterborough, Forest scored twice in 5 minutes to complete a hat-trick of wins within the space of 6 days. Injury wise, Robert Earnshaw faces a month out after picking up a calf injury whilst on duty with Wales. It shouldn’t give Billy Davies too much of a selection headache as there’s plenty competition for places up front and Earnshaw has only started twice this season.
Newcastle’s momentum has slowed down slightly and they go into this game after back to back home draws, and due to a downturn in West Brom’s recent form, they’re still enjoying top spot in the division. Bristol City were the latest side to hold Toon to a 0-0 draw, somewhat fortunately though after a string of fine saves by City stopper Dean Gerken grabbed City a share of the points. Previously, QPR held Toon to a 1-1 draw but it could’ve been so very different had Danny Guthrie managed to convert a penalty shortly after Newcastle went 1-0 down. Chris Hughton faces a tough decision on the fitness of defensive pair Steven Taylor and Fabricio Coloccini, both are carrying knocks that would normally keep them out but given that Newcastle aren’t blessed with any depth in that area of the squad, one of them might have to play alongside Zurab Khizanishvili. Houghton will also hope that Jonas Guitierrez returns from World Cup duty with a triumphant Argentina without a hangover as he’s been a big part of Newcastle’s season.
Forest are on an encouraging run but Newcastle will pose a much greater test than the likes of Plymouth, Scunthorpe or Peterborough. Newcastle though have looked edgy in their previous two games at St James Park and a trip to the City Ground could benefit the Toon. Since the 4-0 demolition of Ipswich, Newcastle have looked weak in front of goal, and will have to get by a physical Forest defence to have any chance. Come final whistle, I think it will be a 4 match unbeaten run for Forest and a third draw on the trot for the Toon.