Leicester v Nottingham Forest – Preview

OPINIONS AND FEEDBACK WANTED PLEASE

After the “Foxes” played three away games on the bounce over the past week, Nigel Pearson’s team will host East Midlands rivals, Nottingham Forest at the Walkers Stadium tomorrow afternoon. It looks highly likely that the match will be a sell out, and for the travelling “Forest” fans they will have to be geared up for a heated reception on Saturday.

THE TEAMS
Leicester, were able to climb a place in the Championship table in midweek after they edged out a decent Doncaster side 1-0 at the Keepmoat Stadium. After the midweek win it meant that the “Foxes” leapfrogged Cardiff City into 5th position. Leicester City are currently six games unbeaten after that impressive away run helped their cause, however the unbeaten run could well about to become unstuck as a Nottingham Forest side who are currently 2nd in the table come to town. Leicester will want to win this game more than any other this season, as last time out Forest thrashed Leicester 5-1 at the City Ground, a result which was hard to take for every Leicester fan, including myself. With a bumper crowd expected tomorrow, the “Foxes” will have to be at the top of their game if they want to please the 28,000 plus Leicester fans. Leicester City is highly capable of making it seven games unbeaten, and I for one thinks Leicester could well be in for a cracking game on Saturday afternoon.

Nottingham Forest, are currently having a blinder of a season as they are flying high in the Championship ladder, Notts Forest are currently 2nd in the table behind relegated Newcastle who are five points ahead of “Forest”, also for the “Magpies” they have a game in hand over there promotion rivals. Billy Davies’s side defeated Leicester 5-1 back in December, but as the form books show, Forest have currently hit a bad patch considering they were the only English side, throughout all the top four English divisions not to lose an away game in their respective league, however that incredible tally was ended last month by their fellow East Midlands rivals, Derby County. Since then, Nottingham Forest has played two away games one against Coventry and the other being against Doncaster, two games which they were defeated in. Leicester will have to fancy their chances on Saturday as local rivals Notts Forest have lost their last three away games.

 

TEAM NEWS
Leicester, skipper Matt Oakley and striker Paul Gallagher are likely to be recalled to the Leicester side after both players were rested in midweek. Nicky Adams, Yann Kermorgant and Steve Howard are waiting to be chosen as a part of the “Foxes” starting 11. Also there are no fresh injury problems for Leicester.

Nottingham Forest , Nathan Tyson is available again after recovering from illness; however winger Gareth McCleary and defender Joel Lynch will miss the game through suspension and injury. For the “Tricky Trees” manager Billy Davies will have to decide whether or not he will recall Tyson to the starting 11, or leave him to watch the game from the substitutes bench.

KEY PLAYERS
Leicester – Chris Weale. Leicester City goalkeeper Chris Weale will undoubtedly be tested tomorrow afternoon. Notts Forest are an very attacking minded footballing side and for Leicester keeper Chris Weale, he will have to be on top form, the keeper signed from Bristol City in the summer, has made a huge impact at the Walkers Stadium and over recent weeks he has pulled off some tremendous displays as Leicester’s number 1.

Nottingham Forest – Paul Anderson. Leicester born Anderson is set to feature for Forest tomorrow, as his side will go in search for all three points at the Walkers Stadium. Anderson has been one of the star performers for “Forest” this season and the winger will cause Leicester’s right-back a lot of problems on Derby day. The former Liverpool player could well be surrounded by an outcall of boo’s, when he comes up against his home town fans on Saturday afternoon.

MATCH PREDICTION
It will be an incredibly tough game for Leicester, rivals Nottingham Forest are on course for promotion, however they are currently having a blip away from home. Leicester are currently on a decent run, and after the midweek win over Doncaster they will certainly be on a high level of confidence for tomorrow’s game. Both sets of teams have strong squads, and with high level players on show this game could well be a cracker. I will stick with my supported team Leicester and go with a home win. Leicester 3-2 Nottingham Forest

MATCH STATS
Kick Off – 3.00pm, Saturday
Date – 27/02/2010
Referee – Lee Probert
Ground – Walkers Stadium
Managers – Nigel Pearson/Billy Davies