Leicester v Forest: Preview

Nottingham Forest make the short trip South on Monday night to take on our wannabe rivals Leicester City at the Crisp Bowl, which is also being screened live on Sky TV KO: 7.45pm.

It's been something of a stuttering start for ladies man Sven at the Walkers since taking over from Paulo Sousa in October, with his side languishing in the bottom half of the table in 19th place, just 2 points above the drop zone. The Reds' are beginning to look like the side tipped to do well in the division this season, after having a slow start ourselves. But at least now, the dread of an away game is fast becoming a thing of the past, following only the second win of the season on our travels last week.

Both clubs made deadline day signings to bolster their squads, with the Foxes adding striker Roman Bednar and keeper Chris Kirkland to their ranks. Forest of course made the headlines this week with news of the arrivals of Aaron Ramsey from the Arse' and Marcus Tudgay from the Wendies. Tudgay has a good chance of making the starting X1, but it's expected that Ramsey will be on the bench after recovering from a broken leg and still being short of match fitness.

The 2-0 away win a Cardiff last week will do little to dent the already high confidence levels within the Reds' ranks, but we should be wary of a Fester side still smarting at their 2-0 defeat at Brizzle.

Andy King took a knock in the defeat at Brizzle last week, but is expected to recover in time for this game.

All eyes will be on newbie Roman Bednar, but Andy King is the top scorer for the Foxes on 7 goals and will have to be watched.

Dexter Blackstock will be out for the rest of the season, after picking up a suspected cruciate ligament injury in Wales last weekend. McGoldrick and Darlow are also definitely missing. Davies will wait to find out if McKenna, Anderson, Earnshaw and Moloney will be fit in time, as injuries take their toll on our still rather thin squad.

An unusual choice this week, but the great big brute of a powerhouse striker has been playing really well of late and deserves his moment. If he makes the starting lineup at the Crisp Bowl, I reckon the big fella will score. He's due a goal.

In 90 meetings between the 2 sides, Forest have won 34, lost 36 and drawn 20. Last season, we gave the Foxes a lesson in how the beautiful game should be played with a 5-1 mauling at the City Ground. We received a bit of a bloody nose in the return at the Walkers with a 3-0 drubbing, due in no small part to a shocking performance from referee Lee Probert.

The feelgood factor has returned, so it's a 3-1 win to the good guys.

Brizzle (h). Sat Dec 4. KO:3pm

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