Southampton v Nottingham Forest Preview

Posted on | December 19, 2008 | No Comments

This is yet another game which features two sides sat right beside each other in the table – and also two sides who are fighting the drop. Southampton are currently sat in 21^st position, while Nottingham Forest are one place and four points lower in the last of the three relegation places.

Southampton are one of the division’s strange teams and on some occasions they will pull a remarkable score line out of the hat, while they’ll then go on and lose their next game. A fantastic 2-1 victory over Reading was meant to turn their season around not too long ago although since then, they haven’t recorded another win. Draws against Plymouth, Charlton and Sheffield Wednesday was met with disappointment by the Saints faithful, who felt as though their team should be able to beat at least one or two of the above considering their status in the division. They’ve just lost their last two games against Crystal Palace and Burnley and after also conceding six goals in those fixtures, Jan Poortvliet needs to turn things around quickly.

Nottingham Forest are a similar side and have spent much of the season in the relegation zone. The fact that 22^nd is the highest position they’ve been for some months speaks volumes and not for the first time, Colin Calderwood is working with an axe above his head. Many Forest supporters want rid of the former Aston Villa defender after seeing him spend millions in the summer only to be battling relegation. Just like Southampton, a win over Barnsley was meant to kickstart their season but they’ve been disappointing since. They’ve faced Coventry, Sheffield United and Blackpool and after picking up just two points from those fixtures, that’s a poor return considering two out of the above are not much further up the table.

Southampton have been given some great news this week with Lee Holmes being told that he is now fit and available for selection. Holmes has missed the last three months with a knee injury and with Saints struggling at the moment, Jan Poortvliet may throw him in just to freshen things up. However, talented midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin will miss out with an ankle problem meaning there is still some reshuffling to be done. As for the visitors, they will be without Lewis McGugan who is struggling with a thigh problem. Elsewhere, Joel Lynch will look to make a comeback from a dead leg injury, although James Perch will miss out through suspension after picking up five yellow cards.

Southampton have lost their last two and conceded six in the process. Nottingham Forest may not score that many, but we think they’ll smell the perfect chance to steal victory in this one – 1-0 visitors.

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1. Southampton v Nottingham Forest Preview
2. Nottingham Forest v Southampton Preview
3. Nottingham Forest v Doncaster Preview
4. Bristol City v Nottingham Forest Preview
5. Crystal Palace v Nottingham Forest Preview

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