it’s been a long time since Forest went into the business end of the season having consistently been in the top six up until this point. After a tough run of games, it feels quite timely that Mark Warburton brings his QPR team to Forest tomorrow. We know one thing for sure; and that’s the former Forest manager won’t be coming to park the bus on Saturday and fingers crossed, that will enable the Reds to play their usually counter attacking game.
The last minute equaliser at West Brom should have hopefully restored a great deal of confidence back into the club after the massive blip against Charlton. I’m not sure how badly the players would have been affected by this defeat given that so many were rested, but psychologically I expect the players would not have been too downhearted.
The point at high flying West Brom is a massive one and considering we had the odds stacked against us; the character shown by the players really fills me with hope that we can continue to do what’s we have done all season. Pick points up consistently. What spurs me on a little more is that when we play our best XI, we are starting to look a strong side. I honestly think there is more to come too and fingers crossed, QPR might seem some of that tomorrow.
As for team selection, I can’t see anything past last weeks starting XI. If there was ever an opportunity to bring Joao Carvalho back into the fold, tomorrow would be the game to do it, even if it is game time off the bench.
As with any opponent in The Championship, we’ll have to be on it and by all accounts, QPR are playing some good stuff. I’m going to go with a Forest 2-1 win.
I caught up with Rangers fan Gobi Ranganathan for his thoughts on QPR’s season so far.
How is current form going into the game?
We’re actually playing quite well, although results aren’t showing that and show us as struggling/inconsistent. We’ve had some really good football to watch at times, but just not converting the chances, although Cardiff, Swansea and Stoke might say otherwise!
What should Forest fans expect from QPR? Which player should Forest fans keep an eye out for (in form player)?
Well, I’d say it’ll probably similar to the game back at the KPF Stadium, although I’m hoping Forest fans won’t see another 4 goals shipped in! In all honesty, I didn’t see that as a 4-0 match and at 1-0 we were pressing hard, but it went pear-shaped in the last 10mins of the game. As before Eze and Osayi-Samuel should be the ones to watch.
How would you rate Mark Warburton for the job he’s doing (out of 10) this season?
Warburton in my opinion has done a brilliant job this season. He’s had no money to work with, and has still got the team playing some super football. I’d actually give him an 8/10 but I’m sure others would disagree given our defensive frailties.
Losing Nahki Wells looked to be a big hit looking from the outside in. How was the January transfer window for the R’s?
Losing your top goal scorer is always going to be a big blow, but Burnley owed us nothing, and so they were entitled to cash in on him. Luckily, we weren’t too reliant on him as the main scorer, as Hugill, Eze and Osayi-Samuel have all chipped in with the goals. We also lost a few others in the transfer window and didn’t bring anyone in. Not ideal but we can’t spend what we don’t have. And in my opinion, it’s not impacted on us too much.
What would a good season look like from this point onwards?
If we can pick up a few more points, carry on with the style of football we’re playing, I’d be delighted. Another couple of wins should see us safe, but it’d be nice to also finish the season strongly to take forward to next season. A comfortable mid-table position would be decent, but a lower half placing is expected by some. A top half finish would be a job well done for sure.
What’s your score prediction for the game?
It’s always hard going at the City Ground. I’d take a point but always just hope we give a good account of ourselves!
Thanks very much to Gobi, his thoughts are very much appreciated here at Munich and Madrid!