Prediction: Nottingham Forest vs Wolves

Prediction: Forest win

Best Odds: 31/20

Bookmaker: 888sport

As one round of cup action ends, we move on to another in the form of the League Cup quarter-finals. We are down to the last eight clubs in this year’s competition and with that famous stadium in sight, all of these teams will know they are in with a real chance of reaching the final. Today, we’ll be taking a look at a collision between two of the finest Midlands clubs in the history of English football – Nottingham Forest and Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Nottingham Forest

Forest began their journey in this year’s competition with a comfortable 3-0 win over Grimsby Town, and in the third round, they really impressed as they managed to beat Tottenham 2-0 despite being down to 10 men. They went on to trash Blackburn 4-1, setting themselves up for a rematch of the 1980 final – although this time, they’ll be hoping they can write a slightly different ending to the story.

Team News

The list of absences for Forest is extensive, to say the least, with Lingard, Niakhate, Biancone, Richards and Kouyate all being confirmed to miss out. Elsewhere, Awoniyi and Williams are fitness doubts.

Wolves

Wolves have had the benefit of playing at home in all three of their League Cup ties so far this season, but in all three instances, they were made to really work for it. They first made it past Preston with a 2-1 win before requiring an 85th minute winner to ensure they beat fellow Premier League side Leeds. Then, after the winter break, they returned with a comfortable if underwhelming 2-0 win against Gillingham.

Team News

Chiquinho, Kalajdzic, Neto and Traore are all on the shelf through injury. In addition to that, Podence is a doubt after picking up a knock prior to the Liverpool game.

Factors to Consider

• In their last meeting back in October, Wolves beat Forest 1-0.
• Forest have won three, drawn one and lost two of their last six games.
• Wolves have won two, drawn two and lost two of their last six games.
• Forest have scored eight goals and conceded nine in their last six games.
• Wolves have scored seven goals and conceded seven in their last six games.

Conclusion

We’re expecting to see a lively atmosphere at the City Ground, given how close both of these sides are to Wembley. This match-up is set to be a whole lot more competitive than the drab affair they produced in October, likely because both teams have gotten substantially better. Eventually, though, with both teams trading blows throughout the game, we do think Forest will be able to edge out a late winner and book their place in the semis.

Prediction: Forest win

Best Odds: 31/20

Bookmaker: 888sport