Prediction: Blackburn vs Nottingham Forest

Prediction: Blackburn win

Best Odds: 21/10

Bookmaker: 888sport

In the wake of the World Cup coming to an end, it’s time to start taking a look at what comes next in the calendar – the return of domestic football and, this week, the League Cup. The competition is rapidly heading towards the latter stages and on Wednesday, Blackburn Rovers will collide with Nottingham Forest at Ewood Park with both teams finding themselves in very different spots this season.

Blackburn

After many years away from the limelight of the Premier League, it finally seems as if Blackburn Rovers are gearing up for another run in the big time. Alas, they can’t seem to get out of their own way sometimes, faltering with the kind of inconsistency that’s hard to put into words. After 23 league games, 13 wins and 10 losses, they have yet to register a draw – highlighting what kind of side they are.

Nottingham Forest

Nottingham Forest were seen as certainties for the drop when the season first began but now that they’ve had time to settle, there’s a real belief within their squad that they are in with a fighting chance. They’ve stuck by some of the braver decisions they made during the summer transfer window and with January u ahead, you can bet they’re going to dip back into the market in the name of ensuring safety.

Factors to Consider

• Blackburn are 3rd in the Championship whereas Forest are 18th in the Premier League.
• Blackburn have won three, drawn one and lost two of their last six games.
• Forest have won three, drawn two and lost one of their last six games.
• Blackburn have scored eight goals and conceded nine in their last six games.
• Forest have scored six goals and conceded seven in their last six games.

Conclusion

The priority for Forest, in our view, will be on trying to ensure their survival in the Premier League. We expect this to be a fairly open game that swings back and forth, with Rovers pushing the tempo off the back of their home crowd advantage. In the end, we believe the Championship side will be able to spring the upset and book their place in the quarter-finals of this year’s competition.

Prediction: Blackburn win

Best Odds: 21/10

Bookmaker: 888sport