It's been almost two weeks since the win over Bristol City, and it's something of a relief to get back to proper action. The fact that we are playing this year's model of "Big club fallen on hard times" has just added to the spice; and with a healthy dollop of Brian Clough memories to link the clubs, there's set to be a bumper turnout heading down to the City Ground. There will be the opportunity to contribute to a Cloughie-related collection too - a group trying to raise money for a Statue of the legendary manager will be around the ground before the match.

Like Sheffield Wednesday before them, Forest are finding that Division 2 is not an easy prospect - although they have at least found it easier to win at home than the Wendies did in their first season. After starting off with a home win over Huddersfield, they then lost four games in a row - including being knocked out of the Carling Cup by Macclesfield. They've lost six out of their thirteen league games so far, and it could have been worse had a rally not started in mid-September that saw them go unbeaten in five games and collect eleven points. That run ended last weekend, when they went down 1-0 at Southend. Currently they sit in 11th place with 17 points.

While things haven't gone all their own way, Forest's home form hasn't been at all bad. They have lost twice - but with four wins and a draw as well they are averaging close to two points a game on their own turf.

It has to be said though that this is more to do with their defence than attack. Gary Megson has their back line - with former WBA keeper Russell Hoult linking up with his old boss - in mean mood: they've conceded just four times in their last six matches. Meanwhile, Kris Commons is leading scorer with just four, and Jack Lester is next best with three. The absence through injury of Scott Dobie certainly hasn't helped, and while not exactly toothless their attack is at best looking average for this division.

One face that will be familiar to Poolies with longer memories is Nicky Southall. Ten years after he left Pools, the player who some of us still remember as Trigger signed for Forest after leaving Gillingham and has been an ever-present this season. If Soccerbase is correct, he should make his 500th League appearance against us - and over a quarter of them came at Pools.

As for team news, Megson is still without Danny Cullip and John Curtis as well as Dobie; Gary Holt though is in contention for a place after recovering from injury.

While the two week break has allowed one or two players to make progress on the injury front, it seems the only one seriously in contention for a recall is Eifion Williams, who was a sub at Ashton Gate in any case. Mickey Barron has it seems overdone things a little; while the likes of Boyd, Porter and Robson are still out for a while yet. News of Hugh Robertson also seems to be conspicuous by it's absence. Thomas Butler will be available again after suspension though. A big decision for Scott will be whether to stick with Steve Turnbull from the start, or go for Mark Tinkler - I think he'll let Turnbull continue, with Tinks again having to settle for a spot on the bench.

After the backs to the wall win a fortnight ago, I think that Martin Scott will stick with the same formation although I would expect Butler to return probably at the expense of Llewellyn. Can we repeat the result? Forest's form isn't bad at all, especially at home, but I think we can claim a point. 1-1, with Daly to score.

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