Wigan Home Pre-Match Preview

On Wednesday (11th February 2015), Dougie Freedman will be looking to secure his first home win in charge against Wigan Athletic at The City Ground. He will want to build on what was a moral boosting 2-3 win away at Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday. He will be hoping to secure another three points on Wednesday which could potentially move Forest up to 9th in the Championship.

Wigan Athletic are another team like Brighton who have had a poor campaign to date in the Sky Bet Championship. Uwe Rosler was looking to build on an unsuccessful play-off campaign last season by gaining promotion this. Wigan were one of the favorites for promotion at the beginning of the season. However, Rosler endured what was a very slow start to the season, Wigan were a completely different team to the one which we saw at the end of last season. Under Rosler's management this season, Wigan achieved three wins, seven draws and seven defeats. This left Wigan placed 21st in the table, and with major fears of relegation. Rosler was replaced by controversial manager Malky Mackay. It caused Wigan chairman Dave Whelan all sorts of problems in appointing him which involved in himself being branded as a 'racist'. Mackay has failed to have much of an impact since taking charge, and Wigan's form has arguably got worse. Since he has taken the reigns, he has achieved one win, three draws and eight defeats. This is an even worse record than Rosler had at the beginning of the season. This has resulted in Mackay taking Wigan from 21st place in the table down to 23rd place, which is not good reading for Wigan fans. Wigan now look to be in a desperate situation, where League 1 looks the most likely destination. In comparison, Forest now appear like they could be on the up again after Dougie Freedman won his first match in charge against Brighton on Saturday. This leaves Forest 13 points off the play-offs, with a lot to do if they still want to achieve promotion this season. However, playing Wigan at home is a massive opportunity for Freedman and his men to get another three points and really build confidence. It is very important that Forest put on a good performance for the home crowd who have only seen four wins at home all season.

Henri Lansbury celebrates after putting Forest 2-1 up against Brighton at the AMEX Stadium at the weekend. 







Forest have no fresh injury concerns from their game at Brighton at the weekend. However, Freedman has stated that this game has come too soon for Michael Mancienne who is still recovering from injury. The only other long-term absentees are Andy Reid and Chris Cohen. Apart from those three, Freedman has a fully fit squad to choose from. He has already stated that he probably won't make too many changes from the team who beat Brighton 2-3 at the weekend.

My prediction for this game is Nottingham Forest 2-0 Wigan Athletic. I am expecting Forest to build on what was a very positive result on Saturday with another three points. It is important that Forest go on a bit of a run now to make sure we are well clear of relegation and even maybe get back into the playoff race. Anything is possible in the Championship, and much stranger things have happened in the past. However, I think Wigan are more than beatable for Forest especially on home turf.

Brighton 2-3 Nottingham Forest

Dougie Freedman got off to a winning start as Nottingham Forest manager, as he led Forest to a 2-3 win against Brighton & Hove Albion at the AMEX Stadium. Brighton took the lead in the first half as Lewis Dunk headed them ahead. However, Danny Collins equalized with a header shortly before half-time. Goals from Henri Lansbury and Ben Osborn gave Forest a 3-1 lead in the second half before Kayal pulled one back for the Seagulls late on.

Dougie Freedman made a total of six changes to the team who lost 1-0 at home to Millwall the previous weekend. The most notable changes were the inclusion of Danny Collins and putting Karl Darlow back into the starting-11 ahead of Dorus De Vries who has played very well of late. Gordon Greer had a good chance to put Brighton ahead from a corner, but failed to do so. Forest were looking pretty solid and had appeals for a penalty turned down when Greer tussled with Britt Assombalonga. Holla had the best chance of the game so far for Brighton as his free-kick seemed to hit a combination of the post and bar leaving Brighton incredibly unlucky not to be 1-0 up. However, Brighton did exactly that just moments later as Lewis Dunk headed home. Forest took just two minutes to respond as a free-kick was headed in off the post by Danny Collins to level the scores.

Forest started the second half brightly and Dunk had to be alert to deny Assombalonga a chance to give Forest the lead. Forest did take the lead in the 63rd minute as Ben Osborn laid off a free-kick for Henri Lansbury to smash through a mass of bodies into the far bottom corner much to the travelling fan's delight. Forest then looked to have wrapped up the three points in the 86th minute as Chris Burke went on a good run down the right hand side and squared it for Ben Osborn to smash home and cause jubilant scenes in the away end. However, for Forest it is never that easy and Kayal headed home in the 90th minute to cause a nervy final few minutes for Forest and their travelling support. Then came a huge chance for Brighton to find an equalizer as Kayal's effort was cleared off the line by a combination of Jamaal Lascelles and Jack Hobbs. However, Forest managed to clear their lines and hang on for a moral boosting three points.

Overall, this was a much improved performance from Forest and it was nice to see the players playing with a smile on their faces once again. I don't think it is a coincidence that when Henri Lansbury plays well, so do Forest. I think if Dougie Freedman can get the best out of Lansbury then he will have a much more successful time in charge than if he can't. Freedman already clearly has the players on board and has already recorded one impressive result against a Brighton side who were much improving under Chris Hughton. He now has to build on this by securing a win in his first home match in charge against Wigan, another team with relegation fears in the Championship.

Brighton Away Pre-Match Preview

On Saturday (7th February 2015), Dougie Freedman takes charge of the Forest team for the first time since being appointed to replace Stuart Pearce on Sunday. He will want to get off to a good start after a poor result for Forest in the last outing in the form of a 1-0 defeat at home to Millwall which leaves Forest just seven points off the relegation zone. He will be looking to inspire Forest to all three points as the travel to the AMEX Stadium to face Brighton & Hove Albion.

Brighton had a very poor start to the season under new manager Sami Hyypia. During Hyypia's time in charge he achieved three wins, ten draws and nine defeats. This left Brighton sitting 22nd in the table and led to Hyypia's resignation from his role as manager. This was to the delight of majority of the fans at Brighton who weren't happy with how results and performances were going. It probably didn't help Hyypia, in the fact that Brighton had finished in the top six in the previous two seasons as this has risen the level of expectation at the AMEX. Chris Hughton has since taken over the reigns and seems to be gradually improving results. He has so far recorded three wins, no draws and two defeats in the Championship. This means he has already matched the amount of wins which Hyypia managed to achieve during his time in charge. However, Brighton suffered a set back last time out as they fell to a 1-0 defeat away to relegation rivals Blackpool. In comparison, Forest have now ended their relationship with Stuart Pearce as the manager was sacked on Sunday evening by chairman Fawaz Al-Hasawi. During his time in charge he achieved eight wins, ten draws and ten defeats. This was not good enough in Al-Hasawi's opinion for a Forest team which had a lot of investment in the summer with the likes of Britt Assombalonga signing for £5.5 million. Pearce did achieve some memorable wins in charge including his first match against Blackpool at home and the famous 2-1 win at local rivals Derby County. However, this wasn't good enough for him to keep his job and he leaves Forest thirteen points off the play-offs. Dougie Freedman now comes in with a relatively good managerial record for a young manager and will be looking to get off to a flying start on Saturday.

Forest manager Stuart Pearce was relieved of his duties by chairman Fawaz Al-Hasawi on Sunday night. 

His replacement, Dougie Freedman, was appointed just hours after Stuart Pearce's sacking was confirmed. 







New Forest manager Dougie Freedman has a fully fit squad to choose from apart from Michael Mancienne who is still recovering from injury and long-term absentees Chris Cohen and Andy Reid. Apart from that, Dougie Freedman has the whole squad at his disposal. It will be interesting to see what changes he makes to the team in his first game in charge. Dexter Blackstock has now recovered from a recent injury and Matty Fryatt is now fully fit after his run out against Millwall last weekend.

My prediction for this game is Brighton & Hove Albion 1-1 Nottingham Forest. I think it will be a tight game between the two teams, with little to separate them. I think the introduction of Dougie Freedman will inspire a spirited performance from Forest and make them come home with at least a point from the AMEX. However, I think the home side will also gain something from the match due to the fact Chris Hughton is doing a very good job so far.

Nottingham Forest 0-1 Millwall

Nottingham Forest lost their second game in a row as they lost late on 1-0 to Millwall at The City Ground. Ricardo Fuller was the man to get the winner for the Lions, as he capitalized on a shocking error from Stephen McLaughlin. Forest didn't have time to muster a response meaning Millwall went back to the capital with all three points.

Forest did make a decent start to the match and looked to be the better of the two sides. Henri Lansbury had the best chance of the opening minutes as hit shot from inside the area deflected over. Michail Antonio and Britt Assombalonga were also looking menacing. Cummings then made what looked like it might be a costly mistake as his free-kick back towards his own goal was picked up by Antonio but he could only fire straight at Forde. Then came the first big moment of the match as Dorus De Vries made a superb save to prevent Beevers putting Millwall 1-0 up with a header. Half-time soon came, with little to talk about in what was a pretty dull contest between the two teams desperate for a victory.

Forest almost started the second half by going 1-0 up as Robert Tesche smashed a shot from 25 yards out against the crossbar. Chris Burke then followed it up with a header but this was cleared off the line by Beevers. Michail Antonio then did some good work down the right hand side and delivered a cross in which was met by Britt Assombalonga who hit the bar. Henri Lansbury then again came close as his curling effort from the edge of the box missed narrowly. Then came the vital goal in the game as Ricardo Fuller capitalized on a shocking header back from Stephen McLaughlin and rounded Dorus De Vries before tapping the ball into the empty net.

Overall, this was a shocking performance and result from Forest's point of view. To lose to a team like Millwall at home is completely unacceptable. They have arguably been the worst team in the Championship of late and Forest with the quality they have in their ranks should have been able to take advantage especially on home turf. However, it wasn't to be and the long ball football was even more evident than ever. Something has to change if Forest are going to turn their form around.

Millwall Home Pre-Match Preview

On Saturday (31st January 2015), Forest face Millwall at the City Ground in what is a great chance to get back to winning ways on home turf. They will want to wipe a disappointing 3-2 defeat away to Fulham at Craven Cottage out of the memory by securing all three points this Saturday. Stuart Pearce will want his players to respond to the defeat in the best possible way.

Millwall have had a shocking season to date and currently sit 22nd in the table and in the relegation zone. Ian Holloway's men have failed to build on what was a good end to the season last time out. They haven't won since 12th December when they beat Brighton 1-0 at the Amex Stadium in front of the Sky Sports cameras. Since then they have lost six matches and drawn two. Some of these defeats were also very heavy as they lost 6-1 away to Norwich City and 4-0 away to Bradford in the FA Cup. This has raised serious doubts about Holloway's future but he so far seems up to the challenge. Last time out they drew 0-0 against Reading at The New Den. They will most likely be coming to the City Ground with the aim of frustrating the hosts. In comparison, Forest seem to be taking one step forward and one step back at this moment in time. The dramatic late 2-1 win against local rivals Derby County looked to be a turning point in their season. However, this was only to be followed up with a 3-2 defeat away to Fulham which involved Forest going 3-0 down after 35 minutes. It was a shocking defensive display which resulted in Eric Lichaj getting subbed off after half an hour. This means that Forest's win over Derby is their only win in their last ten games. This is terrible form which has seen them drop into 12th place and 13 points off the play-offs. However, due to Watford's defeat last night, this gap could be reduced to 10 points.




Ross McCormack earned the match ball after his 35 minute hat trick against Forest at Craven Cottage last time out.





Stuart Pearce has confirmed that Matty Fryatt is fit and available for selection again after missing a couple of weeks through injury. However, this game is still too soon for Michael Mancienne. Gary Gardner will miss out after picking up an illness. Andy Reid will also miss out after having an operation but says he hopes to be fit enough to return in just four weeks. Chris Cohen is the only other long-term absentee.

My prediction for this game is Nottingham Forest 2-1 Millwall. I think it is going to be a very tough game as I think Millwall will come to try and frustrate Forest. Forest also seem to be very predictable so Millwall might be successful in this approach. However, I do think Forest will have enough attacking threat to breach what is a pretty shocking Millwall defence and go on to win the game.

Fulham 3-2 Nottingham Forest

Nottingham Forest returned to losing ways after they fell to a 3-2 defeat against Fulham at Craven Cottage. Ross McCormack scored a first half hat trick which punished Forest for yet another slow start and again gave them too much to do. Henri Lansbury scored either side of half-time but it wasn't enough for Forest to get anything out of the game.

Fulham's attacking threat was shown from the first whistle as McCormack tested Dorus De Vries in the Forest goal who made a superb acrobatic save. However, McCormack got the better of the keeper in the 7th minute as his left footed strike into the bottom corner from the edge of the area gave Fulham a 1-0 lead. McCormack then again punished Forest in the 18th minute as he popped up in a similar position and stuck the ball into the same corner as he previously had minutes earlier but this time the post came to his aid. Forest were giving the £11 million striker far too much room and space for a player of his quality and he was punishing them. Britt Assombalonga got his first chance of the game after a poor header but the Fulham keeper did well. One player who was playing well for Forest was Dorus De Vries who produced another save to deny Fofana. Eric Lichaj was taken off after half an hour after a dismal display and was replaced by McLaughlin. Ross McCormack then sealed his hat trick in the 35th minute as his deflected strike made it 3-0 to Fulham. A well worked free-kick did get Forest a slimmer of hope before half-time as Henri Lansbury curled one around the wall and into the top right hand corner to make it 3-1.

Forest came out for the second half looking a different team with arguably nothing to lose after a first half performance which left them with a lot to do. Jack Hobbs had an effort cleared off the line which signified Forest's intentions. Michail Antonio also then had a header saved as Forest piled the pressure on the home side. Forest then pulled another goal back to make it 3-2. Ben Osborn played a good ball into Michail Antonio who chested it down in the area and laid it off for Henri Lansbury to smash into the corner of the net in the 62nd minute. Assombalonga then had several great chances to level the scores, but failed to do so. One of his attempts was a failed lob of the keeper when he perhaps should have done better. Michail Antonio fired wide to end what was a very frustrating evening for Forest.

Overall, it was a very strange and disappointing evening at Craven Cottage. It is a shame that Forest could not build on the euphoria of beating Derby County just a couple of days previous. It is also disappointing that it was yet another slow start to a match which has ultimately cost us three points. If Forest had played like they had in the second in the first half, they would no doubt be coming home with all three points. It is games like this that Forest have to play ugly to start with to make sure they do not give themselves too much to do. Going 3-0 down after 35 minutes is unacceptable from any team in any division.

Fulham Away Pre-Match Preview

On Wednesday (21st January 2015), Forest will look to build on the momentum gained by a dramatic 2-1 win over arch rivals Derby County at the iPro Stadium on Saturday. It was a very impressive result which has given everyone connected with the club a much needed boost. Stuart Pearce will now urge his players to follow up this result with another one when they visit Fulham at Craven Cottage on Wednesday night.

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.