Fulham started the Sky Bet Championship season in shocking fashion after their recent relegation from the Premier League. Under Felix Magath, they failed to win any of their first eight league matches. In this run it included heavy defeats to Derby, Reading and Forest. Forest beat Fulham 5-3 in a goal feast at the City Ground after Fulham were leading 3-2. This outlined the defensive problems that Fulham were suffering from. It was the result at Forest which confirmed Felix Magath's fate and he was replaced by Kit Symons. Fulham's form has improved sit he took charge of the team, and they have gradually pulled themselves back up the league table after sitting bottom when he took over. They have won their last two matches as they beat Wolves on penalties after a 3-3 draw in the Capital One Cup and also beat Reading 2-1 at Craven Cottage on Saturday. In comparison, Forest have been suffering the sort of form which Fulham had at the beginning of the season recently. However, that may all be set to change after a late Ben Osborn goal gave Forest a dramatic late victory against local rivals Derby County. After a run of just two wins in twenty matches, Pearce's men will now look to go on some sort of run which can pull them closer to the play-off places. Forest are currently sat in 12th position with Fulham in 15th position and within just three points. Forest need to start winning games if they are to overturn the ten point gap which separates them from the play-offs.
Robert Tesche celebrates with Ben Osborn after his goal secures a dramatic victory over Derby County which is Forest's first win over Derby on their turf since Rob Earnshaw scored a late winner in 2011 at Pride Park to give Forest a 1-0 win.
Forest face no fresh injury concerns ahead of this game. No injuries were caused in the Derby match on Saturday which is a surprise considering the amount of casualties there were from the previous meeting in September. Britt Assombalonga was said to have played through the pain on Saturday as he suffers with a slight hip injury. However, he is still said to be available for this game. Michail Antonio also came off due to injury on Saturday even though he wanted to play on with an injury to his ribs. He is also said to be available for the trip to Fulham. Andy Reid has recently been ruled out a further four to six weeks as he has now decided to have an operation which is a huge blow. This game is also likely to come too soon for both Matty Fryatt and Michael Mancienne who are both still suffering with injuries. Chris Cohen is the only other long-term absentee.
My prediction for this game is Fulham 0-2 Nottingham Forest. I hope that Forest will use the momentum gained from the Derby win to go on a string of positive results. I believe that Fulham are there for the taking and are a very beatable team for this Forest side. I think they should go there full of confidence believing that they can bring home the three points. I still believe that the play-offs are possible this season and as long as the players and management still believe this, then there is a chance.
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