Cardiff City are looking good after clinching a last-minute victory over rivals Swansea in a feisty South Wales derby. The Bluebirds will want to make sure of a top six place as soon as possible and head to Nottingham Forest in the 5:20pm kickoff today. Simon Glanville previews the game.
Cardiff team news: Chris Burke, Mark Kennedy, Kevin McNaughton and Gabor Gyepes will probably find the City Ground visit too soon in their recovery schedule. Mark Hudson and Paul Quinn are to be assessed today, with a spot on the bench a possibility at best.
The travelling Bluebirds fans will be encouraged by the substitute return of Joe Ledley on Saturday's win over Swansea and will hope for more appearances from the local hero. And he could be needed, based on the quick return to match action and some knocks to the squad over the weekend.
Forest team news: Former Bluebird Rob Earnshaw could miss out on a reunion with his old club as he is struggling with a back problem. Former Swansea loan star Paul Anderson is also rated doubtful as he has an Achilles problem. Captain Paul McKenna is out for the season with knee ligament damage.
Forest's season so far:It may be only their second season back in the Championship after gaining promotion from League One, but Nottingham Forest are already dreaming of a return to the Premier League. Billy Davies' side have been in contention for automatic promotion for most of the campaign, and although they now look set to miss out on a top two finish, they are a sure-fire bet for a place in the play-offs.
Last meeting: A Lewis McGugan goal in added on time rescued a point for Forest in their first ever visit to Cardiff City Stadium back in November. Jay Bothroyd had put 'City ahead shortly after the hour mark but McGugan had the last word with his late leveller.
Teams from last meeting at the Cardiff City Stadium on 1st November 2009:
Bluebirds: Marshall, Gerrard, Hudson, Kennedy, Burke, Whittingham, Ledley, Matthews, McPhail (Rae 26), Chopra, Bothroyd. Subs not used: Quinn, Enckelman, McCormack, Gyepes, Taiwo, Feeney.
Forest: Camp, Morgan, Wilson, Gunter, Cohen, Anderson, McKenna, Moussi (McGugan 77), Majewski (Adebola 62), McGoldrick, Garner (McCleary 66). Subs not used: Smith, Chambers, Lynch, Perch.
Forest last time out: The Tricky Trees ended their shocking run of seven straight away defeats at Bristol City at the weekend, but only by taking a point. They fell behind on just two minutes when Liam Fontaine's shot deflected in, but Guy Moussi earned a point for this side with a fine finish.
Forest: Camp, Morgan, Chambers, Perch (McCleary 78), Wilson, Gunter, Cohen, Moussi, Adebola (Garner 58), McGoldrick, Boyd (Tyson 67). Subs not used: Smith, Blackstock, McGugan, Majewski.
More at stake: While Newcastle deserve the attention today - a point needed to secure guaranteed promotion to the top flight- the match between Forest and Cardiff also has significance. Should Cardiff claim a draw or better, coupled with a 3pm victory at Watford for the Baggies, West Brom would also be promoted without relying on the play-off lottery.
Top six hopefuls Cardiff are set to kick-off against the third potential play-off rivals in a week. So far wins over Leicester and Swansea have been encouraging, with Forest a potential hat-trick if three points could be claimed. The three recent opponents could in fact be a dress rehearsal for the post season excitement - not that any Easter chicks are being counted in South Wales after last season.
Whatever happens its set to be a momentous Monday in the late kick-off of the day. We'll be hoping for better Nottingham based luck for Cardiff than last night for the heroic but unlucky Devils.
COME ON CITY!!
