Sheffield United v Nottingham Forest Preview

Posted on | April 12, 2009 | No Comments

Most games in the Championship are pretty big this weekend, although this must surely be one of the most important. Sheffield United’s unbelievable form in recent weeks has meant that they’re within a sniff of the automatic positions, while Nottingham Forest still have plenty of work to do if they are to collect enough points and remain in this division.

For much of the season, Sheffield United fans have moaned at Kevin Blackwell with many unhappy at his long ball tactics. For much of the season those tactics only saw the Blades stay in and around the play offs – although recently that’s completely changed. The Bramall Lane outfit are now the form team of the division and having won seven out of their last nine games, they’ve every reason to be confident. They briefly replaced Birmingham in 2nd after their victory over Reading on Friday and while the Blues have now regained that position, only one point separates the two sides now. The last time Blackwell’s men lost a league game was back at the start of February and with such a statistic on hand, even if they don’t go up automatically, they’ll be the team to beat going into the play offs.

Nottingham Forest could only dream of that sort of form although their last game really could prove a late turning point in their season. Forest looked down and out with just ten minutes remaining against Bristol City on Saturday, only for two late goals to stun City and take Billy Davies’ men out of the relegation zone. That was Forest’s first victory since the beginning of March although despite that, they have been impressive in recent weeks. That game against Bristol City was the second game in succession that they’ve come back from behind, showing that there is spirit at the City Ground and Davies will just be hoping that’s enough to keep them afloat.

There’s plenty to report in the way of team news for this one, although most of it surrounds the visitors. Sheffield United have just the one problem, with Jamie Ward doubtful having been forced off in their last game against Reading with an ankle injury. Forest on the other hand have a few problems, with Rob Earnshaw, Guy Moussi  and James Perch all doubts. Earnshaw is struggling with a knee problem, while the other two have ankle injuries.

Sheffield United have won their last five games and form suggests they are clear favorites for this one. However, Forest’s late win in their last game will have given them a huge amount of confidence and bearing that in mind, we think they’ll get something here. United will throw everything at them, but we think Forest will get a 1-1 draw out of this one.

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1. Sheffield United v Nottingham Forest Preview
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4. Nottingham Forest v Burnley Preview
5. QPR v Nottingham Forest Preview

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