Forest Preview

By Aston
August 11 2004

All eyes will once again be focused on David Johnson later tonight, when Ipswich Town travel to his current stomping ground, The City Ground.

Forest Preview

All eyes will once again be focused on David Johnson later tonight, when Ipswich Town travel to his current stomping ground, The City Ground.

Given his scoring record against Ipswich its understandable that we fear him, so maybe he’ll be man marked by Tony Dinning who could play just in front of the back four as he can play in either midfield or defence, although that is unlikely as it’s a tactic Joe Royle does not believe in.

Joe Kinnear will be with out Michael Dawson though injury and Wes Morgan is suspended, so 18 year old James Perch will probably play again, although Des Walker and Chris Commons may come into the reckoning.

Joe Kinnear has not lost at the city the ground since taking over from Paul Hart in February a trend which he is keen to keep going, Kinnear has said that: “I'm proud of the fact that we haven't been beaten at home since I took charge, every team looks to make their own stadium a fortress and I think we're in the process of doing just that.

“I want teams to fear a visit to The City Ground. That's what we are striving to achieve and I don't see why we cannot do that.

“We know what to expect from Ipswich. They are one of the fancied teams this season and you know what any side Joe Royle puts out will be attack minded.

“They are a good side to play against and will pose a different threat to that of Wigan on Saturday but I'm looking forward to the game and have no doubts we can win it.”.

Meanwhile Ipswich manager Joe Royle will still be unable to se Jim Magilton because of a thigh injury and Jason De Vos may also miss out with a knee injury but has been included in the 17 man squad that travelled to Nottingham, but loan signing Tony Dinning is likely to play some part in proceedings.

Royle has said that: “There is a chance Tony will be involved. He has not played a lot of football of late but he has fitted in well already so we will see.”.

Joe Royle has earmarked Johnson and Andy Reid as forest’s danger men and has said that: “Johnno scored a couple against in the season before last and again last season. He is a pain in the backside against us but it is not too late for him to catch flu.

“Reid is as good as any midfielder in this division. I don't know if they will sell him or keep him, but Forest will be winners either way.”.

Ipswich Town squad Scott Barron, Darren Bent, Dean Bowditch, Pablo Couñago, Kelvin Davis, Jason De Vos, Drissa Diallo, Tony Dinning, Shefki Kuqi, Kevin Horlock, Tommy Miller, Scott Mitchell, Richard Naylor, Lewis Price, Matt Richards, Ian Westlake, Fabian Wilnis.

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