Nottingham Forest will return to the home comforts of the City Ground this weekend, with Ipswich Town the visitors.
The Reds played their part in an unforgettable 5-5 draw with Aston Villa in midweek and should they beat Paul Lambert’s men the point will look very decent indeed.
Forest have lost just once at home during the 2018/19 campaign with the City Ground proving something of a fortress so far this season.
Ahead of another hotly-anticipated Championship fixture, Seat Pitch’s Lee Clarke previews the visit of the Tractor Boys.
The City Ground | Kick-off: 15:00 | Referee: James Linington
Team News
A change will definitely be enforced upon Forest boss Aitor Karanka as Tobias Figueiredo misses out through suspension.
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The central defender was sent off for a rash challenge on John McGinn in the draw at Villa Park; Michael Hefele is likely to deputise.
Former Ipswich man Daryl Murphy is progressing well following a virus and will push for a place in the 18.
Tayo Edun misses out for the Tractor Boys with an eye injury, whilst Teddy Bishop is pushing hard for a recall to the starting line-up.
Lambert has named the same starting line-up for each of his four games in charge, although tomorrow could see him ring a couple of changes for the first time.
Likely Line-Ups
Forest (4-2-3-1): Pantilimon; Darikwa, Dawson, Hefele, Robinson; Yacob, Colback; Cash, Carvalho, Lolley; Grabban
Ipswich Town (4-2-3-1): Bialkowski; Spence, Pennington, Chambers, Knudsen; Chalobah, Skuse; Edwards, Bishop, Sears; Jackson
Match Preview
Aitor Karanka will demand nothing less than a professional performance from his in-form team when Ipswich Town arrive in the East Midlands.
The Tractor Boys might be bottom of the league but traditionally the Reds have struggled to put the lesser teams to bed at home.
Forest are a resurgent bunch these days, however, and spirits will be high in the camp following two solid away performances at Hull City and Aston Villa.
Paul Lambert recently took over an Ipswich outfit short on confidence and although the performance levels have improved the result haven’t.
The Tractor Boys led twice against Bristol City in midweek before succumbing to a 3-2 defeat, leaving the club rooted to the foot of the Championship.
On paper, the squad at Portman Road isn’t too bad; Lambert, however, faces arguably his toughest challenge in football when it comes to reviving the flailing fortunes of Ipswich.
One to Watch
Freddie Sears has really shone under the leadership of Paul Lambert thus far and his two goals in midweek highlighted his qualities.
Since the Scottish boss arrived the ex-Crystal Palace man has netted four goals and the Reds’ back four must guard against his prowess on Saturday.
The 29-year-old has never quite lived up to his potential but on his day he can be a very dangerous player at Championship level.