Forest Preview

By: Jostein Jensen
Date: 23/02/2001

David Platt's men surprisingly lost 1-0 against bottom team Sheffield Wednesday at home during midweek so Forest will be looking to bounce back when they welcome Grimsby to the City Ground. The Mariners, with their draw against Bolton last Tuesday, showed that a fighting spirit is back in the squad!

But Forest away is a hard game for Town, who will be without their midfield maestro Wayne Burnett who is unavailable due to a suspension.

Grimsby Town

"Never change a winning team", is a phrase that can be used about Grimsby at the moment, as the draw at Reebok stadium against Wanderers almost felt like a win.

Although he is likely to select that same team that drew at Bolton, the Grimsby manager has options that will at least indicate the likely make-up of the substitute's bench.

• Bradley Allen is available for select up a midweek outing for the reserves against Hartlepool.
• Tony Gallimore is on his way back from injury, although it's believed that Lennie will stick with David Smith in the left full back position, despite "Little Smudger" having taken a knock against Bolton, receiving treatment for a slight calf strain.
• On the right side of the defence John McDermott could be replaced with Danny Butterfield, who also picked up a knock during the Bolton game, although Macca is believed to start for the Fishermen.

In central defence the duo Zhang Enhua and Paul Groves are expected to continue their successful pairing, the defensive pair between them having been responsible for Town's last three goals!

In midfield Wayne Burnett is suspended as he have picked up too many cards, therefore Stacy Coldicott will continue his run in the team.

Nottingham Forest

Those who had "feared" to see Jack Lester play against Grimsby this time can relax, as the former Grimsby star is injured. It was Lester that opened the scoring account in the last meeting between the two clubs in September when his Forest team won 2-0 on Blundell Park.

After all a Grimsby win depends on coming past the opposing team's keeper - the Forest guard on Saturday will be former Mariners on loan goalie Dave Beasant, the veteran who is like a wine, and only gets better with age. The Grimsby defence must also have their eyes wide open for David Johnson (left), a player that came from Ipswich for £3,0M.

Children can see tomorrow's game for just £1 if accompanied by an adult.

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