Stoke City vs Nottingham Forest. Sky Bet Championship.
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Friday 1 March 2019 12:05, UK
Stoke boss Nathan Jones is hoping striker Sam Vokes will be fit for the home game against Nottingham Forest.
Vokes was substituted in the 17th minute of the draw against Aston Villa because of a groin issue but he may figure in Saturday's Sky Bet Championship fixture.
Jones told his club's official website the Wales international has been receiving intensive treatment, adding: "No decision has been made yet but it's going to be a tight one for him." Fellow striker Saido Berahino is again unlikely to feature for the home side following his drink driving arrest.
Forest boss Martin O'Neill may decide to name an unchanged side after the home defeat of Derby. Midfielder Matty Cash is closing in on a return to full fitness after Achilles trouble.
However, striker Lewis Grabban appears likely to miss out again after an Achilles issue kept him out of Monday's City Ground success. The match is also expected to come to soon for defenders Michael Dawson (hamstring) and Tobias Figueiredo (leg).
Stoke have only won one of their last 10 league games against Nottingham Forest (D5 L4), with that lone victory coming in October 2003 (2-1 in the second tier).
Three of the last four league games between Stoke and Nottingham Forest have finished 0-0, including this season's reverse fixture at the City Ground.
No team has scored fewer Championship goals during 2019 than Stoke City (5, level with Bolton Wanderers).
Nottingham Forest are looking to win consecutive league matches for the first time since September 2018.
Stoke striker Sam Vokes has scored more goals against Nottingham Forest in all competitions than any other club during his career (eight goals).
Martin O'Neill last four league meetings with Stoke City have seen just two goals scored, both 1-0 wins (for Aston Villa in 2009 and Sunderland in 2012).
David Prutton predicts: 1-2 (12/1 with Sky Bet)
