Stoke vs Nottingham Forest Prediction & Preview: Sabri Lamouchi’s side to pick up three points

Stoke remain in trouble at the bottom of the Championship table, although there were signs of improvement last weekend as the Potters battled their way to a point at Griffin Park. 

Nottingham Forest weren’t at their best last weekend and had Brice Samba to thank for keeping them in the game against Barnsley. The Tricky Trees have been tough to beat in recent weeks, especially on their travels.

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Stoke vs Nottingham Forest Preview – 27/09/19: Championship

Stoke’s point against Brentford helped lift them off the bottom of the table at the weekend, and the Potters will be hoping that it can be the catalyst for a decent run of form. Nathan Jones’ tenure at the club has been troublesome so far, and he desperately needs three points from this Friday night fixture.

He’s made numerous changes in recent weeks, and he also opted for a number of alterations in midweek. It’s a fairly quick turnaround for the Staffordshire club, although they have the squad depth to cope with it.

It’s not hard to see where their problems lie. Stoke have conceded at least two goals in each of their four home matches, and defensive faux pas have been commonplace. However, their clean sheet against the Bees may just have given them some much-needed confidence, and it should help Jones’ establish a settled back three. Last weekend, the Welshman played Cameron Carter-Vickers alongside Bruno Martins Indi and Liam Lindsay, and we could see a similar look this time around. Tom Edwards and James McClean acted as wing-backs, and will be encouraged to push forward at every opportunity.

Forest picked up another three points at the weekend with a hard-working performance. If the former European champions have any designs on promotion this season, they will need to be taking something from games such as this. They weren’t flashy last week, but they got the job done. They are built of stern stuff, and Stoke could have trouble breaking them down.

 

Stoke’s midfield has a better balance

Joe Allen’s suspension could actually be a blessing in disguise and the Welshman’s continued absence has allowed Jones to experiment in the centre of the park. The combination of Sam Clucas, Peter Etebo and Badou N’Diaye looks to be working, and the trio appears to play to one another’s strengths. I’d expect Stoke to play the same midfield three in this clash.

Etebo is dynamic and provides plenty of support to the players in front of him. N’Diaye is extremely effective at controlling the tempo of the game whilst Sam Clucas has recently been back amongst the goals.

 

Forest’s joy on the road

The visitors have actually been very effective away from the City Ground this season. They are yet to be beaten on their travels, despite having been to some tough grounds. Albeit undeserved, Forest picked up a point at Elland Road. They became the first side to dispatch of Swansea at the Liberty Stadium, and upset the odds when winning at Craven Cottage.

Their set-up is ideally suited to playing away from home. They are better when they aren’t expected to take control and dominate matches. They are extremely difficult to break down with Joe Worrall and Michael Dawson forming a formidable partnership. Samba Sow has also proved very effective at shielding his defence, and Stoke may not get much room in the final third.

Forest are a big price, and at 11/5 with Betfred are extremely tempting to take all three points back home – especially using the Betfred bet £10 get £30 sign-up bonus.

 

A slow-burner of a game

With Stoke’s defence finally finding form, and Forest proving effective at snuffing out the opposition, this could turn into a real tactical battle between the pair.

Don’t be surprised to see this game goalless at the break.

Forest Win and Under 3.5 Goals is 3/1 with Paddy Power, and looks a standout bet in this game.

 

Stoke vs Nottingham Forest Betting Tip

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Read More: See the rest of this week’s football match previews from the EFL matches.

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