N'ham Forest Vs Swansea

Swansea will travel to the City Ground knowing a win against 2nd placed Nottingham Forest will see them cement their position at the top of the league one pile going into February.

roberto Martinez's squad secured a emphatic 4-0 win over promotion rivals Doncaster Rovers on Friday evening to send a massive signal of intent to the sides looking to overhaul them.

In the top of the table clash that could be the pivotal moment in the race for the championship Colin Calderwood's side will be hoping to keep in touch with Swansea. Anything but a win would dampen the clubs ambitions of securing a place in the championship ;after 3 seasons in league one since their relegation in 2005 , Forest have failed to bounce back to the 2nd tier of British football.

The City Ground has been a fortress for the former European champions who have not lost a home league game since the 2-1 loss to Leeds United on the 25th August. Leeds United also mark the last time Swansea lost a league game on the road as the Swans were downed in a 2-0 loss at Elland Road on the 29th September.

Despite Nottingham Forest's position Reds manager Colin Calderwood has come under fierce criticism from fans in recent weeks as he has seen his side lose touch with a rampant Swansea outfit who have notched up 12 points out of a possible 12 in the last 4 games.

unior Agogo's involvement with Ghana in the African Cup of nations has deprived the Scot of a vital player and has also seen Scott Dobie moved to rivals Carlisle United.

Counterpart Roberto Martinez will be full of confidence following the 4-0 win at the Keepmoat Stadium on Friday. Free flowing Swansea will provide a stern examination to Forest's promotion ambitions .

Pre Match quotes to come...

Forest's influential striker Junior Agogo is on international duty with Ghana in the African cup of Nations. Midfielder Lewis McGugan has been given the all clear after overcoming concussion sustained in the 2-2 draw at Millwall. More news to come..

The Leading man

Nottingham's no 8 Kris Commons will be a threat to the Swansea defence with his purposeful runs from midfield. The former Stoke player has been one of the most consistent players over the past few seasons for the City Ground outfit.

Andrea Orlandi is out of the fixture after sustaining medial ligament damage to his knee ; following the 1-0 win over Brighton and Hove Albion in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy southern section semi final.

Midfeilder Darren Pratley is out of the game as he serves the 1st match of his 2 match ban following picking up his 10 yellow card of the season.
Owain Tudur Jones is expected to be available for selection in three weeks and Darren Way's return is looming.

The Cog in the Swansea Midfield

Since his move from Ado Den Haag for £80,000 in the summer Ferrie Bodde has been one of the best signings of the summer. His discipline has caused problems with his dismissal gainst Doncaster Rovers following off the ball challenge on Brian Stock. Bodde also saw red in the 3-2 win against Leeds United after Andre Marriner adjudged the midfielder to have stamped on Whites midfielder Jonathan Howson which left the visitors incensed by the challenge. Despite his poor disciplinary record the Delft born player has built a partnership with Darren Pratley that has been a pivotal part of Swansea City's excellent run of form. His ability to switch play , close down and a powerful free kick in his arsenal make the player dubbed the Dutch Roy Keane a real force to contend with in league one.

The Form Book(based on previous 5 results)

Nottingham Forest

LWWLD

Swansea City
WLWWW

Referee :Darren Deadman
Assistants: M Blackledge and G S Stretton
Fourth Official S M Hutchinson Referee Darren Deadman is a relative newcomer to officiating league football after his promotion to the national list of referees in 2006.He was formally charged with failure to apply the laws of the game in early 2006 after confusion over the permitted number of substitutions in a pre season friendly between Luton Town and St Albans. In that game Deadman and his officials left the ground after refusing to agree to more than 6 substitutions. Former Swan Warren Feeney was on the score sheet for Luton that day.
In the 2007/08 season Deadman has officiated 19 games has given 57 yellow cards and has dismissed two players from the field of play.

Swansea Vital predicts a 2-1 win to Swansea City

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Swansea City Vs Oldham Athletic
Coca Cola League One
The Liberty Stadium
2nd February
2.00pm KO

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