Forest vs. Birmingham Match Thread

Nine reasons to be positive:

We are getting close to the return of key players.
Hildeberto would be happy to stay.
An easier run of fixtures (on paper).
Two weeks to work on defensive frailties.
Anel, Brereton and Edser are looking close to making the step-up.
There are no injuries from the qualifying matches
Weather should be clear and crisp on Friday night
Antoine Griezman likes PM.
Twenty-fours plenty? Tickets are a bit cheaper than the norm.

The nine points above not only confirming the overwhelming optimism around the club, but also my feelings towards Fawaz #legend

My Friday Night Lights:

I'm staying positive until at least 9.45pm this Friday night...when it will hopefully not dawn on me that getting up to listen to the game wasn't the best idea for my beauty sleep, or my ongoing mood throughout the weekend.

Form:

Birmingham haven't lost away all season and in fact, have only lost twice, way back in August. Oxford and predictably Wolves the downfall. Flying high in 6th and with Bristol City also away on Friday night, they could be 2nd before the other four teams in the top six play at home this weekend. They have the incentive, but do they have the initiative.

Forest on the other hand have been on a great run. They have played poorly and yet could have collected all 3 points on many an occasion. The defence has been tested against the leagues best from last years play-offs and last years premiership, the majority of the losses coming away from home. A bit of tightening up at the back, a midfield that exists and Vellios getting his obligatory goal should see us drawing 1-1. I'm hoping for a bit more than that though...and here's why:

Expected Line-up:

Who expects it? The old saying about stopped clocks comes to mind, but we can at least expect to see the return of Pereira (the dreadlocked one). Perquis is likely injured and until we have one regular centre back i'd expect Lam to not figure. Plus Clayton and Lukas will be far too physical.

The midfield will remain relatively unchanged as it cannot really change that much. The forward line will also likely remain somewhat the same:

Stojkovic
Pereira Hobbs Mancienne Lichaj
Kasami Cohen Lansbury
Carayol Vellios Osborn

Smith, Mills, Fox, Vaughan, Grant, Lica, Bendtner

Expected Result:

I mentioned 1-1 before, but I think we will win this 2-1. I think a refreshed Forest will be to much for Birmingham, despite their recent form. Of course, they will be equally refreshed, but our desire for 13th will overcome their desire for 2nd.