Nottingham Forest v Reading preview
Monday 19 February 2018 17:07, UK
Nottingham Forest will be without the suspended Eric Lichaj for the visit of Reading.
The full-back was sent off after just 28 minutes of the goalless draw with Burton on Saturday and he must now serve a three-match ban. Reds boss Aitor Karanka made six changes for that game and could be tempted to stick with largely the same starting line-up having been impressed by his team's effort and battling qualities with 10 men at the Pirelli Stadium.
Lichaj's absence could be offset by the return of Michael Mancienne, who was set to play at right-back against Burton had he not fallen ill prior to kick-off.
Reading had no match at the weekend and could benefit by having players back from injury on Tuesday night. Modou Barrow was a surprise absentee last time out against Middlesbrough on February 10 due to illness on the day of the game so the forward should have now recovered.
Defender Omar Richards and midfielder John Swift were not quite ready for the defeat at the Riverside but might be back from their hamstring problems. Recent signing Chris Martin is pushing for his first start after scoring against Boro on what was his second appearance from the bench following his loan arrival from Derby.
Opta stats
Forest have won each of their last three home league games against Reading, scoring 10 goals in the process.
The Royals have achieved a league double over Nottingham Forest just once previously, doing so in 2003/04.
Nottm Forest have failed to score in eight of their last nine Championship matches, scoring only versus Wolves in this run (2-0).
Reading have kept just one clean sheet in their last 10 away league games - 0-0 versus Hull in January.
Prutton's prediction
Now this is a big game between two hopelessly out-of-form sides at the City Ground. In the end it was a solid point for Nottingham Forest at Burton on Saturday after going down to 10 men so early on, but it also meant that they've now gone four games in the league without a goal.
Reading are also struggling but may well have benefited from a lengthy break without a game, which should have rested some tired legs. That being said, I just have a feeling Forest will sneak this one.
David Prutton predicts: 2-1 (17/2 with Sky Bet)
