Stoke have drawn the fans in again after two impressive performances against Wigan & Swansea. Saturdays game is a different kettle of fish though as Forest have found form and are looking to cement their place in the play offs themselves.

Steve Cooper took over as Forest manager at the end of September and has turned their fortunes around. Forest were bottom of the league when he started and are now 6th, in Coppers 24 games in charge they have won 14 and only lost 4 games.

Forest have lost only one of the last 7 games winning the other 6, this includes beating Premier League Leicester & Arsenal in the FA Cup.

Stoke though showed a new energy brought on by youth in the team and a formation that has got the best out of those player.

Stoke fans are hoping that the sale of Sam Surridge doesn’t come back to bite us on the arse. Sam made the deadline move down the A50 and hasn’t scored yet for his new club. I dread to think of the reaction if he gets his first against us.

Saturdays game is going to be a good game that either side believe they can win and probably take a draw out of.

How have we faired in previous meetings.

Saturdays fixture will be the 112th meeting between the two sides

Stoke wins 33

Draws 33

Forest wins 46

The last meeting 

Stoke last played Forest at the bet365 Stadium back in August. The game will be remembered by a lovely passing move from back to front ended by Josh Tymon scoring past Samba.

Form (last 4 games)

Stoke

Coventry 1-0 Stoke

Huddersfield 1-1 Stoke

Stoke 2-0 Wigan(cup)

Stoke 3-0 Swansea

Forest

Forest 3-0 Barnsley

Cardiff 2-1 Forest

Forest 4-1 Leicester

Blackburn 0-2 Forest 

Who’s the threat

Forest have ManU player James Garner in midfield and has stood out in a lot of their games. Lewis Grabban is a player that’s caused us problems in the past but we are slightly more mobile no at the back. 

How could Stoke set up for the game.

Tyrese Campbell is injured for the game so I’d expect either Wright-Phillips or Josh Maja to come in for him. As for the rest of the side we should expect very similar to the starting XI versus Swansea

What is your score Prediction?