So back at home against a Hull side that have been more miss than hit this season but certainly have enough quality to take advantage if we’re anywhere near Sunday’s levels.
Sabri got a bit of stick for picking the wrong side against Wigan so I’m expecting that the reasoning behind this was to take full advantage of the next two home games. All guns blazing? Maybe.
Thiago Silva has definitely earned a start and with Ben Watson still firing on all cylinders, I’d expect John Bostock to be on the bench and waiting for our Ginger Prince to hit a lull in form (is that Gingerist?). Whilst he’s not Samba Sow, Ryan Yates can offer more energy in midfield and played well alongside Watson last season. Eric Lichaj always had the tuning circle of the QE2 so we’d be mad not to target those deficiencies and it’s not as if we haven’t got the options. Any one of Lolley, Adomah and Ameobi will certainly give him a tough time. Carvalho starts for me as we look to get him looking like he can. Chema has looked excellent since coming in and as a more cultured centre back than Figs, I’d start with him next to Joe Worrall. Anyways, what do I know (b**** all I hear you say)? I’m going with a 2-0 home win with Grabban and Carvalho on score sheet!!
I caught up with Hull fan Bobbi Hadgraft with her thoughts on tomorrows game. Bobbi’s only an ‘r’ away from having the greatest surname in the UK! There’d be a guaranteed job interview with any submitted application form..
How is the Hull season shaping up at the first quarter point of the season? What are your expectations for the season?
After Adkin’s departure in the summer, I didn’t expect a lot from us this campaign. Three wins in twelve and so far I’ve been proven correct. We have been teased with glimpses of quality and football that’s been a pleasure to watch but sloppy performances have hindered our top half chances. A stat that really sums us up this season is that 12 points have been dropped from winning positions. In terms of individual form, Kamil Grosicki and Jarrod Bowen have been the most prolific with 9 league goals between them. The pair are a credit to us, though have been far from clinical week in week out. Eric Lichaj, a familiar name for you at Forest, has been impressive at the back and now features regularly in the starting XI. Despite the shaky start, I do believe we’ll settle and hopefully avoid the unease of the drop zone. I’d place us at 15th by May.
What was Hull’s performance like in your last outing?
After a nightmare 3-0 defeat at the John Smiths’ before the international break, we were really hoping to bounce back against QPR. Yet another goal from Jarrod made it 1-0 in the first half but following an equaliser just before the break it all seemed to fall apart. We struggled to create chances and conceded 2 penalties in what was an agonising match to spectate. Following a late consolation the game finished 3-2, another 3 points dropped after being ahead.
What are Hull’s greatest strengths/weaknesses that Forest need to look out for?
We have the ability to create opportunities, arguably possessing two of the league’s most impressive wingers in Bowen and Grosicki. However, this season we often lack the final product. New attacking options of Eaves and Magennis have not proven to fill the void left by Campbell who was let go in the summer, which has been really frustrating as a supporter wanting the new additions to succeed. In regards to our defence we have had strong individual performances – particularly from academy product Brandon Fleming who is becoming accustomed to starting for City – but careless mistakes have let us down on numerous occasions thus far.
What are your thoughts on Forest so far this season? Who do you see as our main threat/best player?
I have been really impressed with Forest this season, 22 points in 12 says it all. You’ve proven yourselves against tough opposition with away wins at Fulham and Swansea, points that are crucial in the race for promotion. I’m sure you hear it often, but Joe Lolley is a spectacular talent who poses a threat towards any Championship side. He’s a player I always watch out for, especially since we have conceded two goals to him in our last two meetings! Another player to note is Michael Dawson. I highly rated him at the back at City and it’s nice to see him settled at Forest.
What would you give the clubs rivalry with Forest out of 10?
I’d rate our rivalry at 5. I have a lot of respect for Forest, the club and its history, so believe it’s nice to see you flying this season. If you could push Leeds out of those automatic promotion places I would happily lower the rating! However, I believe this league is a close one with not much between the top six, so it’ll be interesting to see what unfolds.
Your most memorable encounter with Forest and why?
My first trip to City Ground for sure. We were well overdue an away win at the time and goals from Jon Toral and Harry Wilson secured 3 points for us with a 2-0 victory in February 2018. Since, Forest has become one of my most greatly anticipated away days each season, pub-crawling the city and the routinely visit to Meadow Lane for drinks before kick off. Even last season, despite our 3-0 defeat, I still had an excellent day/night out in Nottingham! Certainly helps to soften the blow.
What’s your predictions for the game with scorers?
I’m going to be positive and say 1-1, which I’d certainly take considering your current form. Grosicki and Grabban to score.
Many thanks to Bobbi for taking time out to give her thoughts!