“Can we play you every week?” we sang to the Manchester United fans at Pride Park – if we can win this, it may come true. 

Nottingham Forest v Derby County

FA Cup

7:45pm; 4th February 2009

The City Ground, Nottingham

Depending on whether the weather lets this one go ahead, we could be in for another cracking game. Prior to Saturday, many would have thought the advantage was with Forest with them being at home and a team more on form.

The weekend changed that. Derby played well in the 2-1 victory over Coventry while Forest slumped to a 2-0 defeat at Cardiff.

Worse still for Forest, mounting injuries and suspensions has left the team threadbare in places. Rob Earnshaw is a struggling with a hamstring problem, while Joe Garner is suspended. Arron Davies is out after injuring himself in last Saturday’s warm up, while defender Julian Bennett (knee) and midfielders Paul Anderson (fractured forearm and dislocated wrist) and Guy Moussi are out.

Forest’s best player in the two games at Pride Park was Nathan Tyson and he’s likely to lead the line despite having a calf problem.

Billy Davies has joked about getting Ned Kelly registered to play but has added 3 academy players to the squad as cover.

In language that Derby fans will recognize, Davies has asked the Forest board for money to build a team he thinks can compete in this league. He’s not having much luck however as he’s been turned down by Rob Jones at Hibernian and Dele Adebola at Bristol City.

Davies said;

"We made several attempts and we targeted a number of players, but unfortunately the financial agreements couldn't be reached."

Davies is under no illusions as to what Forest’s top priority is this year;

"What we will do is galvanize every squad player in that dressing room, we'll get the spirit right and we'll work very hard to keep ourselves in the division."

Forest statistics 

The Rams 

Kris Commons speaking to the Derby Evening Telegraph claimed it was anger at the midweek result at Birmingham that spurred the lads on;

"I think we took that anger into Saturday, came flying out of the blocks and Coventry didn’t really know what had hit them. We really started off on the front foot, got a couple of goals and it could have been more.”

It could have been more if you and Hulse had passed to each other a few times instead of shooting on sight; Manager Nigel Clough said;

"The first three balls that came to them in the first four minutes of the second half, they didn’t hold. They gave possession away and then we ended up conceding. So as pleased as we were with them first half we were a little bit frustrated and disappointed at the start of the second half but Rob was a handful all day.”

Commons & Hulse should start up front tonight and it remains to be seen how Commons deals with the boo’s and catcalls of his old fans. According to the DET, Robbie Savage is offering advice – but it depend whether he lets it get under his skin.

Hulse is really starting to work hard and is winning a lot of possession and holding the ball up well. Sometimes he’s let down by the movement of players around him – particularly from the midfield.

The midfield on Saturday of Jewell rejects Davies, Teale, and Green and Barazite was a revelation. Savage was everywhere and Teale had his best game in a Derby shirt. Clearly confidence plays a big part in both Teale and Savage’s game and if we can get the best out of the players, then we’re on a winner.

It appears Teale was on his way out at the weekend but the performance against Coventry keeps him in the manager’s plans. A match winning performance tonight might get some of the boo boys off his back.

Mick’s Team: Bywater, Stewart, Albrechtsen, Nyatanga, Connolly, Green, Barazite, Savage, Teale, Commons, Hulse

What the Bookies think

Forest are 5/4 favourites with William Hill while the Rams and indeed the draw is at 9/4. Despite being unlikely to play, Rob Earnshaw is favourite to score at 6/4 while Nathan Tyson is at 7/4. Duke Ellington and Rob Hulse are both at 15/8 while Kris Commons is a rated at 11/4.

If it goes to extra time, Forest are 4/6 on to qualify while the Rams are at 11/10.

Information for travelling fans 

Driving: Take Brian Clough Way (the A52) towards Nottingham. Stay on the A52 into Nottingham following signs for Grantham until you see signs for A6011 into Nottingham – the ground is off the A6011. Better still – take the train. Some Forest fans report heavy handed tactics by the police towards unruly fans on the trains so take heed. 

Parking: The best place to park is Victoria Embankment near the cricket ground. Footballgroundguide.com reports it as costing £3. There is street parking to be had around Trent Bridge but you need to get there early.

Drinking: It’s all home fans only around the ground though Rob Bristol, a Nott’s County fan informs us; “the Wheeler Bar on Meadow Lane will be open for all Derby County supporters ahead of the game and there is parking for 150 cars at £3.”

Mick’s prediction 

I said last time that I could see this going to The City Ground before it’s resolved. The performance at the weekend coupled with the Tree’s weakened state could see us in a position to set up another meeting with Manchester United – It just depends who turns up on the day.

Photo: Action Images

Derby County Polls