Rochdale Away Pre-Match Preview

On Saturday (3rd January 2015), Forest face what looks like a very tough FA Cup fixture away at Spotland to face Rochdale in the 3rd Round. Forest are in desperate need of a victory and a boost to their confidence as they are on a winless run which stretches back to the 22nd November last year when Forest beat Wolves 3-0 at Molineux. Forest will hope the FA Cup brings them some new impetus.

Rochdale have had a fairly good start to their League One campaign. They currently sit 8th in League One on the same amount of points as local neighbours Notts County. They are currently being managed by Keith Hill who is a very good manager at that level and was last in the Championship with Barnsley. However, Rochdale's form hasn't been as good as late, especially at Spotland. They haven't won a league game at Spotland since the 1st November when they beat Preston North End 3-0 in what was a very impressive result. Rochdale also needed a replay to overcome Aldershot Town in Round Two when they drew 0-0 away and then finished the tie at home when they won 4-1. Rochdale will definately be up for the game, last year they are remembered for beating Leeds United 2-0 at home in the Third Round. They have never played Forest in a competitive match before. In comparison, Forest are on a dreadful run of form and haven't won a game since they beat Wolves 3-0 on the 22nd November 2014 at Molineux. Their form seems to be getting worse after just picking up one point over the festive period at home to Leeds which was followed by heavy defeats to Middlesbrough and Birmingham City. Last time out they lost 3-1 at home to Birmingham City which was a fascinating goal which was lost due to dire defending from Forest.

Clayton Donaldson turns the ball into the back of the net for Birmingham City in their 3-1 victory at the City Ground.






Stuart Pearce has confirmed that Jack Hobbs will return to the starting eleven for Forest after missing out through injury since September's East Midland's derby. This will be a huge boost for Forest as Hobbs should provide the leader everybody has been looking for. Michael Mancienne and Matty Fryatt are likely to miss out after picking up knocks during training in the week. It may be a chance for some of the younger players to get a game such as Oliver Burke, Jorge Grant, Lars Veldwijk and others. Henri Lansbury is one who will definately miss out due to suspension.

My prediction for this game is Rochdale 1-2 Nottingham Forest. I think it will be a very difficult game which Forest will struggle in. I think Rochdale will prove very stern opposition for a Forest team low on confidence. However, I think Forest will have the class to get the result in the end, probably playing better in the second half when the League One outfit begin to tire. Lets hope for a Cup upset and a Forest win!