On Saturday (18th October 2014), the Sky Bet Championship finally returns after the international break. Forest finished for the international break in dramatic style with Michail Antonio equalising in the dying moments against Ipswich Town. On Saturday, Forest have a much more different, and arguably more difficult challenge in front of them as they face Cardiff City under new manager Russell Slade.
The form of both teams has stalled in recent weeks. Cardiff started off the season very brightly and looked like they were going to be potential challengers for promotion come the end of the season. However, they have failed to win any of their last five league matches. They have recently found a replacement in Russell Slade for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Maybe, Vincent Tan will look back at the end of the season and regret taking so long to find a replacement for Solskjaer. The performances of Cardiff haven't been great recent weeks, most notably the 1-0 defeat away to Blackpool before the international break. The team is said to be very low on confidence at the moment. However, the new manager may have brought a feel good factor back to the club. In comparison, Forest's form has also stalled recently but not in such a dramatic style. Forest have failed to win any of their last four league matches, drawing all of them. Forest have recently lost their goal scoring ability which they found with ease at the beginning of the season. This could largely be down to the loss of Andy Reid through injury who has now been ruled out for the rest of the year with a groin problem. However, Forest have been very difficult to break down of late and Cardiff will have a tough job to break them down. Forest will be looking to get back to winning ways on Saturday and return back to the top of the table. Cardiff are currently sat 15th in the table with Forest 2nd. On league position it would appear a good chance for Forest to get back to winning ways. However, my opinion is the Championship is the most unpredictable league in the world so league position is meaningless at this stage.
Russell Slade enjoyed a very successful time at Leyton Orient and will be looking to bring Cardiff City more success and return them to the Premier League.
Forest are facing no fresh injury concerns ahead of this game. However, Forest were hit with the devastating news that Andy Reid will miss the rest of the year with a groin injury. This is a huge blow for Forest due to how influential Reid is to their attacking play. Jack Hobbs is expected to be out for another three months so is not fit to play. Chris Cohen is the only other long term injury for Forest. David Vaughan may be back in contention for this game after missing the last few weeks due to injury. This will prove a boost to Pearce when selecting midfield options.
My prediction for this game is Cardiff City 1-2 Nottingham Forest. I think Forest's defence will be tested massively in a similar way to the games at Sheffield Wednesday and Bournemouth. However, I think Forest's attacking threat with Antonio and Assombalonga will be too much for Cardiff to deal with especially on the counter attack. I'm hoping I will be correct and Forest can return from the Welsh capital with three points and return back to the top of the league.
Russell Slade enjoyed a very successful time at Leyton Orient and will be looking to bring Cardiff City more success and return them to the Premier League.
Forest are facing no fresh injury concerns ahead of this game. However, Forest were hit with the devastating news that Andy Reid will miss the rest of the year with a groin injury. This is a huge blow for Forest due to how influential Reid is to their attacking play. Jack Hobbs is expected to be out for another three months so is not fit to play. Chris Cohen is the only other long term injury for Forest. David Vaughan may be back in contention for this game after missing the last few weeks due to injury. This will prove a boost to Pearce when selecting midfield options.
My prediction for this game is Cardiff City 1-2 Nottingham Forest. I think Forest's defence will be tested massively in a similar way to the games at Sheffield Wednesday and Bournemouth. However, I think Forest's attacking threat with Antonio and Assombalonga will be too much for Cardiff to deal with especially on the counter attack. I'm hoping I will be correct and Forest can return from the Welsh capital with three points and return back to the top of the league.
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