Nottingham Forest v Sheffield Wednesday Preview
At the start of the season, not many people would have predicted that these two sides would be in their current predicaments. In fact, many would have thought Nottingham Forest would be the mid-table side and Sheffield Wednesday would be the strugglers. As it happens, it’s the other way round as Forest head into this one knowing that they need a win to edge further away from the relegation spots.
They may be sat in 18th position, only three points from the bottom three, but the funny thing is many Nottingham Forest fans will probably be very happy with their current situation. A lot of the Forest faithful are optimistic over Billy Davies and his style of management and having masterminded promotion with fierce rivals Derby not so long ago, they have every reason to think positively. Under Davies’ short tenure Forest have looked impressive as well and the City Ground side are currently unbeaten in their last five with wins against Manchester City, Charlton and Plymouth to their name. They were propping up the table not so long ago and were written off as a side certain to go down, but the arrival of Davies seems to have sparked life into all at the City Ground and he’ll probably be looking towards a mid-table finish now.
As for Sheffield Wednesday, they are another side who have very happy supporters at the moment. Owls fans have been all too used to relegation fights yet for once, it looks as though they could be proving the bookies wrong and settling for a safe mid-table position. While the play offs look somewhat unrealistic, the Owls are now on 38 points and at this stage of the season you’d have to think they have enough in their locker to stay up. Off the field things are also looking up after a new chairman was installed and with the club thumping Charlton 4-1 in their last game, the future looks bright at Hillsborough.
As for team news, Nottingham Forest have one or two problems heading into this one with the first being Paul Anderson’s absence. The on loan winger broke his arm in their game against Derby and is almost certain to miss out. Elsewhere, Joel Lynch is doubtful with a back problem although Billy Davies is hopeful of including Wes Morgan after he recovered from injury. As for the Owls, there’s not much to report for them and Brian Laws has the tough decision on whether or not to change things following the convincing win over Charlton. Leon Clarke is available after recovering from injury but after that win, he’ll probably have to be contempt with a place amongst the substitutes.
Sheffield Wednesday may be performing well at the moment but we think Forest could nick this one. Under Billy Davies Forest are playing with new belief and we think they may just have enough to see off Wednesday – 2-1 Forest.
