Sports Mole previews Tuesday’s Championship clash between Bristol City and Nottingham Forest, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.
Nottingham Forest make the trip to Bristol City on Tuesday night looking to post their fifth Championship win in six matches.
While Forest now sit in 16th position in the standings, Bristol City remain 11th despite two defeats in three outings.
Match preview
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Even after replacing Chris Hughton, supporters of Nottingham Forest would have laughed at anyone who had suggested that their current squad was capable of four victories from five fixtures.
However, Steve Cooper‘s stock as one of the top head coaches outside of the Premier League has grown even higher with his stunning start to life at the City Ground.
Forest were made to fight for the three points against in-form Blackpool at the weekend, Lewis Grabban netting the decisive goal on the hour mark after the Seasiders had got back on level terms.
Grabban seems to be experiencing a new lease of life under Cooper, the veteran’s four goals acting as a reminder that he remains one of the best frontmen at this level.
While Forest have some tougher tests around the corner, Cooper will be confident that his team can become the latest club to enjoy success at Ashton Gate.
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Bristol City have now failed to win at their home ground in 16 successive outings, a remarkable record which stretches all the way back to February.
Losing out 2-0 to leaders Bournemouth at the weekend will not be regarded as too much of a disaster, but the manner of the performance will not lift the mood in the stands.
Nigel Pearson‘s team continue to possess the second-best away record in the division, their 12-point return from six games keeping the Robins in the playoff hunt.
However, they stand little to no chance of the top six without ending their current rut on familiar territory, and Pearson may see the benefit in going out all guns blazing to repel opponents who are brimming with confidence.
Bristol City Championship form:
Nottingham Forest Championship form:
Team News
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Pearson must decide whether to stick with a 4-4-2 or switch to a back three which would mirror Forest’s tactics.
Jay Dasilva could return to feature at left wing-back, with Cameron Pring potentially deputising for Rob Atkinson on the left-hand side of a back three.
Tyreeq Bakinson may earn a recall in the centre of the pitch, but Han-Noah Massengo will only be selected among the replacements at best after injury.
Cooper could decide to stick with the same Forest XI which started Saturday’s game with Blackpool.
James Garner is the most likely introduction in midfield, possibly taking the place of Jack Colback or Ryan Yates.
Bristol City possible starting lineup:
Bentley; Kalas, Baker, Pring; Tanner, James, Bakinson, Dasilva; Weimann, O’Dowda; Martin
Nottingham Forest possible starting lineup:
Samba; Worrall, Figueiredo, McKenna; Spence, Yates, Colback, Lowe; Johnson, Zinckernagel; Grabban
We say: Bristol City 1-2 Nottingham Forest
While Bristol City’s barren spell at Ashton Gate must come to an end sooner rather than later, we do not feel that it will be on Tuesday night. Everything is going Forest’s way right now, and Cooper’s improving side should have enough in the tank to earn a win from a competitive match.