By dixon9
January 28 2007

Pearce, McGovern, O´Neil, Francis, Robertson, “carrot top” Woodcock and “Old Big Head” at the helm! These were part of one the greatest clubs in the history of English football.

Clough crafted a team that, whilst not always spectacular (although they had their moments), was solid, fast, powerful and with a grip on the game like a boa constrictor – usually, once they went 1 up it was game over and conversely, if the opposing team went 1 up, they pretty much knew 1 goal wasn’t going to be enough.  Clough bought in players – some ranging from cheap to reasonably priced but yet he could flash the cash when needed.  Trevor Francis was the first million pound transfer in this country and I can remember some of the headlines with various politicians and "irate readers"  in uproar; “You could build a whole hospital wing with that!”, “Football’s gone mad!” etc etc etc….  (Times change but yet they don’t eh?!!!).

 

I can’t help feeling there are so many similarities between the style of football of that great Forest team with the Chelsea team of today.  Certainly, one could even suggest that when considering the managers of each team, Mourinho is the modern day equivalent of Clough without finding many who would disagree (In fact, I seem to remember Clough saying that Mourinho reminded him of himself – but he – Clough – was better looking!).  Those boys who played by the side of the river went on to win the European Cup twice in succession (Old Big Head wins Old Big Ears!) and this of course, is where rival fans would rightly draw a distinction between any comparison I´m making at the moment between the two clubs.

 

Sadly, this legendary club has fallen down a few flights of stairs since those halcyon days, although they are pushing strongly for promotion.  Their league situation may have an effect on how they play this cup game – they may have to decide between conserving energy for the league yet keeping the score line respectable - or going all out to beat us or at the very least earning a replay (my specialist subject?  Stating the bleeding obvious!).

 

Chelsea of course, also has a league game against Blackburn on Wednesday but will be looking to continue the momentum form the Wycombe match.  Shevchenko could possibly be on the verge of finding the frightening form he is known for and will certainly be out to make his mark again.  Drogba, Essien, Mikel, Ballack, Cole, Carvalho…they are all in great form at the moment.  Cech will probably play (or possibly Mourinho may give Cuducini the nod if he’s fit) and I’m expecting a couple more youngsters to get a run out such as Diarra and Sahar.

 

We will be without Robben, Boulahrouz, Joe Cole and maybe Terry still , hmmm… we’ll see – don’t want him rushed back but I wouldn’t complain about him coming on for the last 25 minutes.

 

Forest captain, Breckin is 50/50, Commons doubtful but Clingan is back from suspension.  I understand McGugan could be doing an impression of a boxer as he’ll be sporting a gum-shield! (New tooth apparently – wonder what happened to the old one!).

 

My prediction? I’m going to go for a 3-1 to Chelsea, Shevchenko to score again BUT Forest to take the lead.