Sheep v Forest: Preview

Sunday, November 2 is the day fans of both Forest and the Sheep Botherers have been waiting for since the fixture lists came out in June. This will be the first meaningful game in three years between the two sides and will be the first Brian Clough Trophy game to be played for in the League.

Things have changed dramatically for both sides since our last encounter back in 2005. In that time, the Mutton Molesters have tasted the dizzy heights of life in the Premiership and we of course have been down to League 1 and back. Enough has been said about them being the worst ever Prem side and enough has been said about our fall down to League 1. This game will see us both on a level playing field and fighting for the title of Kings of the East Midlands, as well as the holders of the Brian Clough Trophy. The trophy currently takes up residence at the Sheepdip and is hopefully getting a damn good clean, before making it's way down the Sir Brian Clough Way to it's rightful home at the City Ground.

Following their relegation from the Prem, the Sheep carried on where they left off and couldn't buy a win in the Championship. We haven't exactly adjusted well to life in the Champs ourselves and have also hit hard times. The Porn Star has them picking up results now though and they sit pretty in 10th. They may only have lost one in the last ten, but we're on a run of our own at present, unbeaten in one.

Two key factors in this game, just to add a bit of spice, is the return to the Sheepdip of Robert Earnshaw and the first sight of KC in Sheep's clothing. Little Earn had a torrid time under Billy Davies and also The Porn Star and will relish the chance to show the home support what he can really do, when playing for a proper club. The game also sees Kris 'Judas' Commons face his former employers for the first time since his defection in the summer. The game is live on Sky and if you don't have a ticket, don't bother going. It all KO's at 1.15.

The Porn Star is rumoured to have a fully fit squad. No excuses from him then.

He's been an instant hit and regularly picks up MOtM for them. He's in for a frosty reception from the travelling support and will hopefully have one of the off days he regularly had with us.

The injury list is still a concern, but getting fitter with each game are Earnie and Garner. Wilson and Bennett will still be out.

Scored five for us since seeing the light and moving to the City Ground in the summer. We need him fit and in form to get passed a stubborn defence that has been quite mean of late.

There have been 72 League meetings between the two sides and Forest hold the bragging rights in terms of wins. The stats show, 30 wins, 24 defeats and 18 draws. Last time out, it was a 2-2 draw at the City Ground and a 3-0 defeat at Prideless.

3-1 to the Reds' and the good times return.

Birmingham City (h). November 8, 2008. KO 3pm.

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