Nottingham Forest make the short journey north tonight as they take on Sheffield United in the Championship for some Friday night football at Bramall Lane ahead of the Reds fifth round FA Cup clash on Monday night against Huddersfield Town at the City Ground.
Last night, Forest were drawn at home to Liverpool in the Quarter Finals of the worlds’ oldest knockout competition, should they see off the Terriers in three days time, they will face a world-class star-studded silverware winning side who they have not played since 1999, the last time Forest met with Liverpool at the CG, post-striking Pierre van Hooijdonk was on hand to score a late leveller in a 2-2 draw that also saw Dougie Freedman net for the real reds, whilst Jamie Redknapp and Michael Owen were on the scoresheet for the other reds then managed by Gerard Houllier.
Inevitable sideshow distractions of what may be ahead aside, Monday is massive, but Friday night is essential for Forest to stamp themselves with authority on the promotion race. Steve Cooper’s garibaldi are unbeaten in four and are on a run of just one defeat in ten, ninth in the table they are two places and two points below Sheffield United in seventh, should either side win tonight they’ll be in the playoff zone on Saturday morning.
Head Coach Cooper stating ahead of the trip “We’re not looking forward further than Friday, all of our focus is on that. It will be a really good game which we’re looking forward to.”
Last time out Sheffield United were beaten 1-0 at Millwall whilst Forest saw off Bristol City 2-0.
The Reds will again be without Lewis Grabban whilst the home teams list of injuries include former Forest target Rhiann Brewster, Jack O’Connell, Enda Stevens and ex-City Ground favourites David McGoldrick and Ben Osborn.
Two more former Forest players, Billy Sharp and Jack Robinson should feature for the home side whilst on-loan Max Lowe cannot play against his parent club, Jack Colback is set to start at left back for the away side.
Kick Off tonight is 7:45pm with the game also live on Sky Sports.
Last night the Reds women beat West Bromwich Albion 1-0 in the FA Women’s National League Northern Premier Division. Gianna Mitchell’s first goal in Forest colours midway through the second half enough to give Andy Cook’s side all three points despite Rosie Axten missing a late penalty.
Forest Women are currently fourth in their division behind leaders Wolverhampton Wanderers, second placed Derby County and third spot Fylde.
*Main image @SheffieldUnited Bramall Lane will host Forest in front of the Sky cameras tonight.