The next few weeks up until the international break will bring a different challenge for Sabri Lamouchi and his Forest team. Whilst we’ve had a pretty tough run in facing teams higher up the table so far; a true taste of life in The Championship awaits in the next couple of weeks. On paper, our next run of games should bring in a good points haul but if there was ever a dark alley that was strewn with banana skins; it will be these next four games against Barnsley, Stoke, Blackburn and Brentford. All of these teams have enjoyed success against Forest in recent times so there can’t be any room for complacency.
Barnsley have been a team that have pulled off some good results against Forest since we fell from grace many moons ago. Their last visit to The City Ground ended with a 1-0 win in a game where we could’ve played all day and still not scored.
Whilst Barnsley have had a tough start, they were impressive in their promotion campaign playing a good brand of attacking football.
With an expectant crowd in attendance once more, Forest will face a different type of pressure to last week at Swansea. If Forest turn up, I can’t see anything but a home win on current form. In terms of predictions, I’m going to go with a 2-0 win for Forest; steady if not spectacular in performance.
Barnsley fan Joe Beardsall provided me with his thoughts and predictions for Saturday.
How is the season shaping up following the start of the season e.g, form, style, new manager, signings, etc. What are your expectations for the season?
We have a team of young, hungry and energetic players and we play a high pressing game. Our transfer business has been good in terms of bringing in talented youngsters but they are very raw so some weeks we get a five star performance and others they can be hit and miss. Expectations are mid table if we can start picking up results.
What was the team’s performance like in your last outing?
Our last game was a 2-0 defeat to Leeds but that didn’t really reflect the true nature of the game. Leeds are one of the best sides in the league and we matched them for 80 minutes and if we had won 2-0 no one could’ve argued we didn’t deserve it but they caught us late on as good sides often do
What are the key strengths and weaknesses of your team? Who do forest fans need to be worried about the most?
Our strength is the young players energy and determination but we seriously lack experience and that means once we go down a goal in a game we struggle to respond unlike more experienced teams in the league. We have a very talented team and on our day several players could cause you trouble but Cauley Woodrow is our goal threat and our winger Jacob Brown for me is also a handful for any defender.
What are your thoughts on Forest?
Who do you see as our main threat/best player?
I watched Forest play Leeds earlier in the season and despite that been a tough game they looked good in spells. Lewis Grabban is always a worry for defenders and I fully expect you to be challenging around the top ten.
What would you give the clubs rivalry with Forest out of 10? 1 – being your 2nd team 5 – being a mutual respect and 10 – your most hated team.
For me I’d say our rivalry is about a 6, good mutual respect but also sometimes the games get a little heated which adds some spice to the occasion as long as it’s in good taste.
Your most memorable encounter with Forest and why?
I’ve enjoyed a few games with forest over the years but the 1-0 win over yourselves at the City Ground a couple of years ago when Conor Hourihane scored a belter late on was a personal favourite. Sadly for me it’s also hard to forget the 3-0 defeat we suffered two seasons ago which contributed to us getting relegated.
What’s your predictions for the game with scorers?
Hard one to call this because you are a good team but we put in a class performance against Leeds so I’m hoping we will build on that and snatch a 1-1 draw.
Many thanks to Joe for his thoughts. Much appreciated!
Come on you Reds!!!