Nottingham Forest v Cardiff Preview

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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Swansea v Cardiff Preview

Posted on February 06th, 2011 in English Championship

It’s probably the fiercest derby game in the Championship, as these two Welsh sides go head-to-head for the second time this season with the first game going in Swansea’s favor following a 1-0 victory. Following results at the weekend both of these sides have slipped down the table and both desperately need points to restart their automatic promotion pushes.

Home side Swansea have a superb incentive ahead of this game, with the knowledge that victory over their fierce rivals will see them head into 2nd place. As it stands, Brendan Rodgers’ men have collected fifty points from their opening twenty nine games and with 2nd place Nottingham Forest holding fifty two, the math speaks for itself. The main factor behind their success has been their unbelievable record at the Liberty Stadium. They have won every fixture there since Christmas, but more importantly they have formed a unit that is seemingly near impossible to break down. They have conceded just the five goals at home and even though Cardiff possess some real attacking talent, even they will find it tough to breach this defense.

Cardiff meanwhile have slipped in recent weeks and while there was a time where the Bluebirds were constantly on the tail of QPR, they are now clinging onto their playoff spot in 6th position. Admittedly, they have played up to two games less than some sides around them, but this has all put exceptional pressure on Dave Jones who knows that his side must avoid defeat unless they want to go five points behind their Welsh rivals. There’s no doubt that Swansea’s home advantage will make them huge favorites for this one, but worryingly for Cardiff they’re away form isn’t too brilliant either. The Bluebirds have drawn one and lost four of their last five games on the road, giving them a huge challenge at the Liberty Stadium. In general, their form in recent months hasn’t been promotion-worthy although if they could secure a win here, the confidence from that victory could quite easily restart their promotion bid.

On the team news front, Swansea have several problems as they approach this fixture with Andrea Orlandi, Garry Monk and Neil Taylor all set to miss out. It’s slightly better news for the visitors meanwhile, although Dave Jones will still be without Stephen McPhail and Seyi Olofinjana who are struggling with hamstring and groin injuries respectively. On a more positive note, new loan signings Aaron Ramsey and Jay Emmanuel-Thomas are both hopeful of starts following their recent moves.

You shouldn’t go with the form when it comes to local derby fixtures, but we think that recent results make the outcome here inevitable. Swansea look almost invincible at the Liberty Stadium and with Cardiff struggling on the road, we’re going to predict a 1-0 victory for Brendan Rodgers’ men here.

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