A bite-sized look ahead to Ipswich Town’s visit to Nottingham Forest in the Championship.
When and where?
Saturday, 3pm at the City Ground
What’s the team news?
Some of the Blues’ walking wounded are set to return at Forest, with David McGoldrick, Tommy Oar and Cole Skuse set to return at the City Ground. Christophe Berra is touch and go after a knock at Hull, while Ryan Fraser, Luke Hyam, Jay Tabb and Teddy Bishop remain sidelined.
For the hosts, Henri Lansbury and Matt Mills are suspended, with Britt Assombalonga, Chris Cohen, Andy Reid, Matty Fryatt, Revert Tesche and Michael Mancienne out injured.
Who is their manager?
Dougie Freedman is the latest in the hot seat at the City Ground, a position which current Blues boss Mick McCarthy is said to have turned down three years ago. Now in his third management job, having previously been at Palace and Bolton, things started well at Forest and he was quickly given a new contract. Things have been a little tougher, this season though.
How have they been getting on so far this season?
Injuries have taken their toll at the City Ground, with big name striker Assombalonga having not kicked a ball since suffering a serious knee injury just 10 days into Freedman’s reign. The loss of one of the division’s most dangerous players, as well as a lengthy list of other injuries, has combined to ensure the Reds have won just three times in the league this season.
Who has the best record in this fixture?
Forest take this one, having won 34 of the two sides’ 71 meetings. The Blues have won 20 (leaving 17 draws) but have not managed a win at the City Ground since December 5, 1999.
What happened when they met last season?
The Blues had the edge in 2014/15, winning at home and earning a draw at the City Ground. Daryl Murphy scored two impressive goals to twice give the visitors the lead in Nottingham, but Robert Tesche and Michail Antonio levelled twice to ensure the points were shared. A
s the Blues closed in on a play-off place, Freddie Sears struck a late winner in a 2-1 at Portman Road in April, after Christophe Berra’s own goal had levelled up Daryl Murphy’s opener.
Who is the ref?
Paul Tierny’s in the middle for this one, having last taken charge of an Ipswich Town game at Norwich in March. Bradley Johnson and Lewis Grabban scored the goals. He took charge of Forest three times last season, which ended in a win, a loss and a draw for the Reds.
Who is the Forest danger man?
Most of them are either injured or suspended, as mentioned earlier, perhaps leaving Jonny Williams as the Forest danger man. Town fans and players alike know what the little Welshman is capable of, with everyone hoping he doesn’t produce it against the Blues on Saturday.
What are the bookies saying?
The hosts are favourites with Bet 365 at 7/5, with the Blues the outsiders at 21/10. The draw is 5/2. Chris O’Grady, Dexter Blackstock and Nelson Oliveira are favourites to open the scoring at 6/1, with the Blues most likely option (according to the bookies) being David McGoldrick. Whether he plays or not is another question.
Anything else worth knowing?
For Ipswich fans wishing to travel to the game, it’s worth knowing that none will be on sale at the City Ground on the day.
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