The big, promotion crunching games just keep coming thick and fast for Nottingham Forest as this time the City Ground outfit host 2nd place Cardiff. It was only last weekend that Forest grinded out a 1-1 draw at league leaders QPR and as they head into this encounter, they’ll be aiming to leapfrog their opponents.
It’s been a mixed week for Nottingham Forest although there’s no doubting that Billy Davies will be bitterly disappointed overall. Forest drew the plaudits after their hard-earned draw at QPR, yet they spoiled that hard work after falling to a shock 1-0 defeat to Scunthorpe on Wednesday. Had they won that game, they would have shot into 2nd and put themselves in prime position for the promotion race heading into this one. However, their supporters certainly can’t have too many complaints following the past few months, which has seen the City Ground outfit net result after result. That loss at Glanford Park was their first in twelve and having won eight of those; it’s no surprise that they find themselves in this lofty position. Defeat here wouldn’t be too disastrous either, with Forest holding a game in hand over all of the teams around them as they head into this fixture.
Cardiff meanwhile returned to 2nd place at the weekend and they’ll have been hugely relieved to keep that position following Forest’s slip up on Wednesday. After a short period which saw them struggle, the Bluebirds look to be returning to their best as they enter this game with three victories from their last six league outings. What’s more, Dave Jones’ men haven’t been beaten in their last seven in the Championship, providing evidence that they are prepared as the promotion finale approaches. They know that their bid will be given the power of strength should they master a victory here however, with a win potentially putting them four points clear of 3rd place Norwich.
On the team news front, Nottingham Forest has several problems and they start as Radoslaw Majewski continues to serve his suspension. Elsewhere, Guy Moussi and Robbie Findley will also miss out as injury hinders them. Cardiff on the other hand could welcome back Michael Chopra who has been struggling with an ankle injury, while Craig Bellamy has also recovered from a knock and should start. However, both Chris Burke and Paul Quinn are suffering from injuries and are doubtful to feature.
This is undoubtedly the trickiest game to predict this weekend, probably because it has so much riding on it. Nottingham Forest hold an excellent record at the City Ground but following their defeat midweek, we think they could have had the stuffing knocked out of them a little. With that, and Cardiff’s promising form of late, we’ll predict a tight 2-1 victory for the away side.
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