Preview: Forest v Saddlers

Former player and BBC Radio Nottingham pundit John McGovern, maintains there is no such thing as a 'bogey team.' But if there is such a thing, then Walsall would are top of the tree in our case, because we have failed to beat them in the last 10 attempts.

Forest will get the chance to lay that particular ghost to rest on Saturday, as they welcome 5th place Walsall to fortress City Ground, where we have only lost twice all season. The Saddlers have hit the rocks in recent weeks and have lost their last two games. Manager Richard Money may be tempted to throw caution to the wind in an effort to turn things round for the visitors and throw on the kids. He has three prodigies in Alex Nicholls, Troy Keeney and Richard Saundry who have all played and impressed. They made way for new loan signings brought in, but he has hinted that he may give them another go. Why can't CC be that adventurous?

With the Reds 10 points behind the automatic places, the ugly and much over used phrase 'must win game' rears it's ugly head. Although we are realistically looking at the playoffs, a win on Saturday will no doubt get us all hoping again.

Famous People From Walsall:

They reckon Boy George came from Walsall, but I'm doubtful myself. His biography says he's from Eltham in London. Celebs are a bit thin on the ground in those parts, so maybe there is a tenuous link with the place. Definitely from there is Coronation Street actress, Sue Nichols, she's the one known as 'Audrey.' The clincher for me though, was finding out that the lead singer from seventies glam rock giants Slade, Noddy Holder is a local lad. Bostin!

Nathan Tyson should get a start following his impressive comeback against Southend on Monday. Kris Commons is said to be still a doubt, but Luke Chambers should be fit to play. Davies will be out for some time to come yet, but Julian Bennett has been given the all clear after picking up a knock at Roots Hall.

This will be his home debut and it's hoped it will be 3rd time lucky for the unwanted Preston striker. He made 20 appearances for the Lillywhites without scoring (admittedly mostly as sub) and will be chomping at the bit to show the City Ground faithful what he can do. That's my theory anyway.

Richard Taundrey is having a red card appeal heard and if it fails he will miss the game.Midfielder Edrissa Sonko is a doubt, as he's missed the last two games.

The former Villa and Leicester striker scored on his debut in February and has made 3 appearances so far. Definitely one to watch. Also keep an eye on Anthony Gerrard. Brother of that Scouser Steven. He got a brace the other night, unfortunately his second was the winner for Brighton.

Despite the fact we haven't beaten the Saddlers for 8 years, it's pretty much honours even in the meetings between the two sides. The 15 games shows that we have won 6, lost 6 and drawn 3.

2-0 to the Mighty Reds. The hoodoo is over.

FL1. March 15, 2008. Northampton (a).

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