Reading v Nottingham Forest Preview

Posted on | February 27, 2009 | No Comments

Both of these sides are bordering on different areas of the table, as Reading sit just outside the automatic zones in 3rd while Nottingham Forest are one place outside the drop zone in 21st. There’s no doubt that the home side are clear favorites but having put together some inconsistent results of late, it’s certainly not a foregone conclusion for them.

At the start of the season many people thought that under the guidance of the astute Steve Coppell, Reading would be one of the clear favorites for promotion. However, just like a few sides up there, this season has thrown out more than a few surprises and Coppell probably isn’t too pleased with how things are going. Yes, the Royals are only sat one place outside the automatic positions, but they’ve given themselves more than enough chances to break into them only for unexpected results to let them down. Having beaten league leaders Wolves a few weeks ago many thought that was the spark that would allow them to prosper and possibly even overtake the Molineux outfit. However, that’s not been the case and that result was followed up by two goalless draws and then a 2-0 defeat to Bristol City. That means Coppell’s men haven’t scored in their last three and considering the attacking talent on their books, that must be a huge worry.

Nottingham Forest on the other hand haven’t enjoyed the best of weeks either and it seems as though Billy Davies’ honeymoon period is well and truly over. There was renewed optimism when he took over at the start of January and having recorded some decent results, it looked as though Forest could even push for a mid-table finish. However, that form didn’t continue and recent weeks haven’t been kind to the City Ground outfit who’ve lost five out of their last six games. Those results have sent them down to 21st and with just one point separating them from the bottom three; their last twelve games are going to be very tense indeed.

With Reading struggling at the moment, there’s a good chance that Steve Coppell could make changes heading into this one. Jay Tabb is expected to make his debut having signed from Coventry in January and with Coppell having no new injury concerns, he has the chance to make even more alterations to the side that lost to Bristol City last weekend. As for Nottingham Forest, Billy Davies will be without James Perch and Brendan Moloney who are both suspended. However, there’s a chance that fans favorite Guy Moussi could make a return having missed the last two months with an ankle injury.

Reading may not be enjoying the best of form at the moment, but there’s no doubting their quality. Billy Davies will make sure his side put up a valiant effort, but we don’t think it’ll be enough to overcome the Royals here – home win, 1-0.

Related posts:

1. Reading v Nottingham Forest Preview
2. Nottingham Forest v Reading Preview
3. Portsmouth v Nottingham Forest Preview
4. Bristol City v Nottingham Forest Preview
5. Barnsley v Nottingham Forest Preview

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