Tomorrow’s fixture against Leeds United seems a huge one for both clubs. Having both team lost their way last weekend, and Leeds arguably looking a little more fragile than Forest, I’ll more than put my house on a cracking atmosphere being in place at The City Ground come teatime tomorrow.
Leeds away form has arguably been their biggest strength this season and as our home performances have been our Achilles heel, so there is an awful lot at stake for both sides as they push for the automatic places.
Forest should hopefully have Samba Sow back in the starting line up and whilst part of me will be a little disappointed not to see him and Kalvin Phillips duking it out in the centre of midfield; the suspension for the Leeds man will hopefully be to our advantage.
I expect nothing more for Leeds to come out and play Bielsa-ball with aplomb but what gives me hope is that Leeds will be susceptible on the counter attack; our greatest strength. On the back of Sabri’s second Manager of the Month award, there will be a little extra pressure in Forest to show their automatic credentials. Written off by the majority of the Sky punditry team, I am certain that this will only fuel the Forest desire to prove them wrong.
Team selection will be interesting with a whole new range of attacking options that may well bring out the best in Joao Carvalho. Fingers crossed he can make an impact if he gets the opportunity. I fancy Lewis to grab a goal or 2 and Forest to win 3-2.
I caught up with Leeds fan, Joe Wainman for his take on tomorrow.
What and who do Forest fans need to be looking out for from your team?
I’d love to say Jean Kevin Augustine (Big Kev) but am not sure he’ll play come the weekend. We aren’t in the best of form at the minute but I’d imagine we’ll see a lot of the ball as we normally do, it just depends on if we take our chances when they come.
How is your manager doing out of 10? Give a few reasons why.
In my opinion Bielsa can do no wrong – 10/10! Yes, some people have questioned the decisions he’s made of late, such as not choosing to include JKA in the match day squad and the substitutions but what he has done for this team and football club should never be questioned. Bielsa will always have a place in the hearts of Leeds fans.
How did the January transfer window work out for Leeds?
Good, the club kept to their promises and made sure we didn’t have a repeat of the Dan James fiasco. The players that have joined us are of a real significant quality, although it remains to be seen whether or not they will get the game time.
If you could sign one Forest player, who would it be and why?
I really like Matty Cash and Brice Samba has had a great season from what I hear but, for me I’d have to say Grabban why, it’s an easy one… Goals!
What are your predictions for the game?
I think it’s going to be tight, a few weeks ago I would of said 1-0 but at the minute I can’t see us keeping a clean sheet, so I’ll go 2-1 Leeds.
Many thanks for Joe for his contributions. Appreciated here at Munich and Madrid.