Nottingham Forest host newly promoted Burton Albion at the City Ground in the 3pm Championship match with both sides hoping to get off to a winning start. Our betting predictions suggest it will be a tight affair.
Burton Albion are in the second tier for the first time in their history after a meteoric rise through the divisions. They’re rewarded with a trip to the East Midlands to face Nottingham Forest who continue to throw up problems off the field. The Tricky Trees are now managed by Phillipe Montanier.
Nottingham Forest v Burton Albion Preview
Nottingham Forest
Phillipe Montanier arrived during the summer after another disappointing season at the City Ground and is hoping to push Forest towards the right end of the table. During pre-season, they’ve been playing a 4-1-4-1 formation which is likely to continue here.
Last season, Dougie Freedman lost star striker Britt Assombalonga to a season ending knee injury, but the big man is back and is raring to go. No bids have been received apparently and he will look to start his season off with a goal or two against the newly promoted side.
Freedman’s downfall was the sides lack of adventure in the final third after a series of dour 0-0 and 1-1 draws failed to entertain the crowd. New signings have arrived in pre-season though with Stephen Henderson adding Championship experience between the sticks.
Damien Perquis is a name familiar to MLS fans as the former Toronto FC defender joins Thomas Lam amongst the defensive reinforcements. Apostos Vellios is the only attacking players to join the club although there is a plethora of strikers on the books. Matty Fryatt, Dexter Blackstock, Jamie Paterson and Jamie Ward amongst them. Pjatim Kasami is the latest addition and will provide experience in the centre of the park. Another positive is the emergence of youngster Oliver Burke who will surely get more game time this season as he grows in confidence. Henri Lansbury is also still at the club and should be able to lead by example this season. Forest will be wary of giving their opponents too long on the ball and will have to close down quickly, a trait that they have been displaying in pre-season.
Burton Albion
Nigel Clough is back in the Championship with Burton Albion after a sensational expectation defying season in League One. He goes up against the club he used to play for and will be looking forward to this clash. It was the work of Gary Rowett and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink which laid the foundations and Clough had the simplest of tasks, but finished it off nicely.
Burton’s fine defensive record was part of their success and their stingy backline is boosted by the arrival of Kyle McFadzean from MK Dons. John Mousinho say his side are ready to go and I think they will take many people by surprise this season. Looking at the Burton team news for their match with Nottingham Forest, they may have to play without Tom Flanagan, who suffered concussion during a pre-season game with Chester. Clough said ‘He’s okay’, but admitted they can’t afford to take any risks. There are slight injuries to Tom Naylor, Lee Williamson, Callum Butcher and Callum Reilly, but the majority of them should be fit to start here.
The Brewers were favourites for relegation and most certainly will be the underdogs in nearly every match throughout the season. They weren’t short of goals last season though with Lucas Akins a particular nuisance. Chris O’Grady is a target man who knows what it takes at this level and is a decent addition. Little is known about Jackson Irvine, but Lloyd Dyer will have flashes of brilliance, nestled amongst the inept deliveries.
Clough has added sensibly, but not waved goodbye to the set of players who helped the club reach this level. It’s a small squad, but there are empty shirt numbers suggesting more signings are on the way.
Nottingham Forest vs Burton Albion Predictions
It’s hard to know what to make of this one. Burton will be tough and difficult to break down. Forest have disappointed going forward and I’m not sure Vellios is the answer after disappointing spells in England before. For my first Nottingham Forest Championship prediction, I’m taking a chance on Burton Draw No Bet at a big price.
Match Prediction – Burton Draw No Bet – 2/1 with William Hill: BET HERE.
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I think this one will be tight and possibly a little gritty. Many of Burton’s games last season were settled by a single goal and this could be the same outcome. Forest struggled for goals last season and Britt Assombalonga will have to carry the burden largely by himself.
Goals Prediction – Under 2.5 goals – 4/6 with Sky Bet: BET HERE.
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As I’m pro-Burton with my match bet, it suggests I should search through the Brewers list of goalscorers for an anytime goalscorer betting tip on this Championship match. Lucas Akins had a great season and that momentum could continue here. He’s stepping up a level, but should be able to give the Forest defence problems.
Lucas Akins Anytime Goalscorer – 15/4 with Bet365: BET HERE.
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Football Accumulator Tips
With the new football season in full flow from this weekend, we'll have regular football accumulator tips on the site and you should check them out. Our accumulator for this weekend is a massive 51/1 bet from the 3pm kick-offs on Saturday 6th August.
Jack Critchley
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