These were two sides who were tipped to be at least challenging for a playoff place, with Hull only just coming down from the Premiership while Nottingham Forest made it right the way to 3rd place last term. However, things are a little different this season and both occupy lowly mid-table positions. Hull are in 16th place, while Nottingham Forest’s first victory of the season on Tuesday has put them one place higher.
Nobody quite knew what to expect from Hull this term, with severe financial problems resulting in many key players being sold. However, when the club appointed the highly regarded Nigel Pearson as manager there was more optimism, although the evidence so far suggests that City will have to settle for a season without success. The club have picked up seven points so far with two wins, one draw and three defeats to their name. Pearson’s men will have been relieved to win in their last game which saw them comfortably beat Derby 2-0 at the KC Stadium. Prior to that, their last victory was on the opening day of the season.
Nottingham Forest are another side who will have been relieved to grab three points in their last outing. Forest’s run was even worse than Hull’s and their last 2-1 win over Preston happened to be only their first victory of the season. That ended a run which saw them draw four on the bounce and while results so far won’t have been acceptable to the Forest faithful, it still means they’re only three points off the playoffs at the moment. Of course, whether or not that win will turn things around is another matter. Billy Davies has not hidden his frustrations and it appears as though there are major internal problems at the City Ground.
It’s mixed news on the team news front for Hull who are likely to persist with Jimmy Bullard again, after the midfielder has started featuring for the Tigers again. Elsewhere however, Caleb Folan and James Harper look set to miss out as they struggle with thigh and foot injuries respectively. There’s just the one piece of news for Nottingham Forest as Rob Earnshaw looks set to return for selection. The former Derby man was forced to miss their last encounter but has now recovered from the hamstring injury that kept him out. However, after Forest’s midweek success, Billy Davies may opt to keep changes to a minimum.
Nottingham Forest may have won their last match away, but in general their form on the road is dismal. Hull haven’t been stern performers either this season but with Nigel Pearson’s men holding the home advantage, we think they could just about edge this one
No comments:
Post a Comment