Tranmere Preview

The Reds' third game of the festive period, sees them take on Ronnie Moores' Tranmere Rovers. The Whites have fallen away from the chasing pack, but a good result could see them back amongst the playoff placings.

Despite the Reds' recent slump in form, a good result and performance on Boxing Day, sees us remain 2 points clear at the top. Tranmeres' recent form is a little sketchy. In the last 6 outings, they have won 1, lost 2 and drawn 3.

The fixture sees former Red Gareth Taylor return to the City Ground. In 20 appearances this season he has scored only 3 times, but there will be nothing he would like more than to get one against his former team mates. Another intriguing scenario about the game, is the fact that John Thompson could be facing the club he was sent out on loan to. Rovers boss Ronnie Moore was a little peeved to say the least at his recall.

Forest expect to be able to call back into the squad Wes Morgan, who has missed the last two games with illness. There is a doubt over Nathan Tyson, who went off in the Vale game with a calf strain. Calderwood will leave it until as late as possible before deciding.

Ronnie Moore was acting bullish ahead of the game saying, 'We won't go there with any fear. It is a difficult game, playing the top of the league team, but it is a difficult game for Forest as well.

'It is a winnable game for us. There is no reason why we can't do it. We are going there to be positive. We are not going to be defensive. I don't think we can be that way.'

The injury news regarding Tyson could make Calderwoods' selection headache a little easier. All his strikers are in a rich vein of form at the moment and after Grant Holt came off the bench and grabbed a brace in the last game the manager will have to think long and hard about who he leaves out.

The Northern Ireland international has been in inspired form of late. Invariably, if he plays well, then Forest play well.

Keeper Gavin Ward looks set to make way for Dutchman John Achterberg, who will make his first league start in eighteen months.

The former Stoke man is having a good season, having found the net on 12 occasions so far this term.

The two sides have previously met on 13 occasions in the League. Forest have won 5, lost 1 and drawn 7.

Oldham Athletic. Away. 1 January, 2007, 3pm.

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