Nottingham Forest return to Championship action this afternoon when league leaders Sheffield United arrive on Trentside, with the Reds looking to avenge their midweek cup exit at the hands of Burton Albion.
The Reds will be hoping to close the gap between them and the current league leaders today, whilst a win can also help them move into a play-off place.
Ahead of the Blades’ arrival at the City Ground, Seat Pitch’s very own Lee Clarke previews the Championship contest.
The City Ground | Kick-off: 15:00 | Referee: Scott Duncan
Team News
Forest boss Aitor Karanka is set to restore a whole host of first-team regulars to his starting line-up for today’s game, having rested several members of his squad for the midweek cup game.
Adlene Guedioura and Joao Carvalho weren’t involved at the Pirelli Stadium and should both start against Sheffield United.
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Hillal Soudani (knee), Danny Fox (foot) and Jack Colback (suspension) will all miss out for the Reds, forcing the Reds’ boss into at least two changes from the side which battled so valiantly against Leeds United last weekend.
In contrast, United boss Chris Wilder will be hoping to recall defender John Egan and winger Mark Duffy to his squad for the short trip to Nottingham.
Defender Chris Basham does sit this one out through suspension however.
Likely Line-Ups
Forest (4-2-3-1): Pantilimon; Darikwa, Dawson, Figueiredo, Robinson; Yacob, Guedioura; Dias, Carvalho, Lolley; Grabban
Sheffield United (3-4-2-1): Henderson; Stearman, Egan, O’Connell; Freeman, Fleck, Norwood, Stevens; Clarke, Sharp, McGoldrick
Match Preview
It has been something of a mixed bag when it comes to results for Nottingham Forest this season with the Reds currently striving for consistency in their play.
If nothing else, boss Aitor Karanka has made the Reds tough to beat and his side have been turned over just three times in all competitions this season, with Tuesday night’s reversal at Burton in the cup joining defeats in the league at Brentford and at home to Norwich City.
Forest go into today’s hotly anticipated game looking to build on two impressive away performances in the league. A resounding 3-0 win at Bolton Wanderers was followed with a solid point at Leeds United, with the Reds denied a win courtesy of some dubious officiating.
For Sheffield United the 2018/19 campaign has been a dream start for Chris Wilder and his side.
The Blades have raced out of the blocks this season and currently sit top of the pile in the Championship, with Wilder drawing praise for his eye-catching brand of football.
United narrowly missed out on the play-offs last season having held a top six spot for the majority of the campaign and the Blades’ boss will be hoping to go on and win promotion this time around.
The South Yorkshire-based side have lots just once in their last eight outings and Wilder’s team will represent formidable opposition for Forest to contend with.
One to Watch
Ex-Forest striker Billy Sharp will be hoping to put the mockers on his former club’s promotion chances by maintaining his hot streak in front of goal.
Last weekend’s hat-trick was the tip of the iceberg for Sharp’s prolific start to the campaign. The 32-year-old will hope to add to his 10 goals so far this season.
Sharp adhered himself to the City Ground faithful during a loan spell during the 2012/13 campaign, netting 10 goals from 39 appearances with the Reds.