Notts V Forest... BIG match preview

Last updated : 29 July 2007 By Paul Smith

As much as every Nottinghamshire football fan would love this to be a competitive game, a league meeting or FA Cup clash, it isn't but it will not stop the game being a competitive affair.

Notts' management team Steve Thompson and John Gannon continue their preparations

It is the only time either side will perform a pre-season game in Nottingham, and a large crowd is anticipated.

Even though the result means little, both sets of supporters will want their side to win and will keep that pride should their respective side do so - it has been so long of course since the last meeting between the two.

Therefore it is only right NCM treat it as a big encounter, here is all you need to know for the game at Meadow Lane.

Team News

Forest new boy Arron Davies ruled out
Notts
- Mike Edwards is the obvious absentee after his horror injury at St Blazey over a week ago - an injury likely to sideline him until the New Year. Spencer Weir-Daley is fighting to be fit to face the club he left to join Notts and should be in the squad alongside fellow new boys Tim Sandercombe, Paul Mayo, Adam Tann, Lee Canoville, Richard Butcher, Neil MacKenzie, Myles Weston and Hector Sam. All should be given a chance to showcase their talents in front of their new fans for the first time.

Forest - This will be the first time Reds fans get to see some of their new boys in action. Included in that could be former Notts youngster Kelvin Wilson who was the Man of the Match in their recent friendly draw against Motherwell. Arron Davies is definitely out but boss Colin Calderwood is likely to field a mixed side containing youngsters and a clutch of first-teamers with a game against Derby just a day later his priority.

Form guide

Notts - Although you shouldn't be reading too much into results at this time of the year, the Magpies go into the game having played just three times. Two wins over non-league opposition in Devon was followed by a 3-0 reverse at Leicester City. That came over a week ago with Friday's game at Ilkeston Town called off. The players should be eager.

Forest - The City Ground outfit have just completed a three game tour of Scotland where they were inconsistent winning once, drawing once and losing once. Incredibly, the win came after three converted penalties by Grant Holt against Kilmarnock. Before that a defeat at Chesterfield followed a draw at Rushden and Diamonds and a win at Ilkeston Town.

"A big game," says Lawrie Dudfield

The view

Notts - Striker Lawrie Dudfield on the Forest game: "It's a big game certainly now that the Ilkeston game was called off. You always look forward to playing big games regardless of whether it's a friendly or not. They've got some great players and I just hope that they put strong team out. It will be a good occasion for the fans and great to play in. (Magpie World)

Forest - wes_nffc4eva (Nottingham Forest Mad user): "Don't really care about tomorrow's game, it'll be a load of our youngsters anyway with the FAR MORE IMPORTANT GAME the day after against Derby in the Brian Clough Trophy."

Player to watch

Key to opening Forest up, Neil MacKenzie
Notts
- A number of new faces for Magpies fans to get a look at but one who has already started to make a mark on the terraces is Neil MacKenzie who received good reviews for a fine performance in the defeat at Leicester City.

The former Mansfield Town man produced a fine array of passing and looked the most likely Notts man to create an opening for a goal.

His vision and attacking attributes may surprise Forest tomorrow and get Notts moving forward.

Forest - It is unsure what kind of team the Reds will put out, but should he play Notts fans will be keeping an eye on former defensive lynchpin Kelvin Wilson.

He came through the ranks at Meadow Lane to star at the back in troubled times for the club.

Looking different in red, former Notts boy Kelvin Wilson

Pacey, athletic and hard to break down, Wilson left Notts for Preston North End but returned to Nottingham, with Forest, only a fortnight ago having found first team opportunities at Deepdale hard to come by.

Should be a key player for the Reds this season with his composure and all round ability as a defender.

His reception from the Notts crowd will be interesting to hear.

Drapes' prediction: A Notts win, could I choose otherwise against the Reds? 2-1.