FA Cup (R5) - Nottingham Forest vs Ipswich Town Preview & Matchday Thread

[Frosty]

Nottingham Forest v Ipswich Town


F A CUP – ROUND 5


Monday 3rd March 2025 – 19:30



City Ground








Pre-Match Thoughts - Mike



And still it goes on, more self implosion continues to blight our season as we get to the business end of proceedings. I think it is fair to say we will never have a better chance of coming away from Old Trafford with a victory that we did on Wednesday evening, the opportunity that presented itself was there for the taking but sadly once again we blew it. Facing what for me was the worst Manchester United team in my life time and finding ourselves level at the break and up against Ten men was beyond our wildest dreams and should have had us hungry and licking our lips at the challenge of the second half to come, what followed was a horror show as we completely went into our shells and failed to show, getting beat in such a manner when the chance was there to close the gap on Wolves was hard to stomach but sadly the bottom line is McKenna's Ipswich are past masters at throwing away opportunities/games/points, it's happened all season and is hardly likely to stop now.

The first half had actually given hope to a really good evening, we played some OK stuff in truth and looked capable coming away with something, especially having been gifted the lead courtesy of a mistake from United's keeper that Muric himself would have been proud of. Sadly we once again forgot the art of defending and although we actually haven't been too bad at defending set pieces this season we completely switched off and were made to pay on Three occasions no less. Even wilt Palmer again pulling off save after save they still got the rebound to find the net for one of their goals. The defence is just way too slow and never seem truly switched on.

Getting ourselves back level prior to half time thanks to Philogene's second of the evening and seeing them down to Ten men after the crudest of tackles on Omari Hutchinson really had me thinking at half time that this was actually going to be our night so to see Harry Mcguire left virtually unopposed to head home almost from the restart was in my view criminal. Why the hell was the job of marking him left to cajuste and to a lesser degree Philogene ? It beggars belief, we had to have either Greaves, O'Shea or even Delap marking him, Cajuste was asleep and lost his man while Philogene offered a token gesture at putting in a challenge, it was woeful.

What followed was about as powder puff as it gets from Town as we created nothing for Forty Five Minutes and never looked close to doing so, it actually looked like we had Ten Men at times such was the ineffectiveness of our performance. The Town team was littered with poor efforts and nobody really came out of the Ninety minutes with their head held high although I think Alex Palmer again showed his worth to the team.

The upshot of it all is that we remain Five massive points behind Wolves but still just ahead of Leicester with Southampton still tailed off, the task looked huge before Wednesday evening, it looks gargantuan now when looking at our remaining fixtures compared to those of Wolves, underdogs doesn't come close, but we just don't have the killer instinct to get out of the mess we have put ourselves in, I just don't see it happening. Clearly Mckenna and the boys will still believe it can be done but we hear the same old stuff after every game and it is wearing a bit thin now if I am honest and from what I am hearing on a daily basis many more are now of the same opinion.

The only way I think that this season can be remembered for anything positive would be if we could really do something in the FA Cup and our attention turns to the Fifth Round with a Monday evening trip to high flying Nottingham Forest. I sincerely hope everyone is committed to going full out for this One and at least give something back to the fans, something to get excited about and what would be better than a Quarter Final slot and a chance of a Wembley semi-Final ?

We need to play our strongest possible team now, for me the league is a lost cause so let's give it One hell of a go and who knows, Forest have a real chance of Champions league Football as it stands so I can see them resting some players, they have also not been quite so impressive of late and for those reasons this may not be quite the forgone conclusion many felt when the draw was made. The One thing I will say about Town is that I have seen enough at times to know we can compete against the bigger boys, it's just turning performances into results that we fail to do, this would be a fab time to get it right and secure a place in the Quarter Final draw, stranger things have happened and I think we all agree we are due a win this calendar year. It's a hard One to call and could go either way so go out and restore a bit of pride in the shirt. IPSWICH TIL I DIE.


The Opposition - Nottingham Forest - Honours



League


First Division

Champions: 1977–78
Runners-up: 1966–67, 1978–79

Second Division / First Division / Championship

Champions: 1906–07, 1921–22, 1997–98
Runners-up: 1956–57, 1993–94
Promoted: 1976–77
Play-off winners: 2022

Third Division South / League One

Champions: 1950–51
Runners-up: 2007–08

Football Alliance

Champions: 1891–92


Cup


FA Cup

Winners: 1897–98, 1958–59
Runners-up: 1990–91

Football League Cup

Winners: 1977–78, 1978–79, 1988–89, 1989–90
Runners-up: 1979–80, 1991–92

FA Charity Shield

Winners: 1978
Runners-up: 1959

Full Members' Cup

Winners: 1988–89, 1991–92


European


European Cup

Winners: 1978–79, 1979–80

European Super Cup

Winners: 1979
Runners-up: 1980

Intercontinental Cup

Runners-up: 1980




The Manager – Nuno Espírito Santo









Form Guide




Nottingham Forest




25 Jan Bournemouth 5 - 0 Nottm Forest

1 Feb Nottm Forest 7 - 0 Brighton

15 Feb Fulham 2 - 1 Nottm Forest

23 Feb Newcastle Utd 4 - 3 Nottm Forest

26 Feb Nottm Forest 0 - 0 Arsenal




Ipswich Town




25 Jan Liverpool 4 - 1 Ipswich Town

1 Feb Ipswich Town 1 - 2 Southampton

15 Feb Aston Villa 1 - 1 Ipswich Town

22 Feb Ipswich Town 1 - 4 Tottenham

26 Feb Manchester Utd 3 - 2 Ipswich Town








Head to Head








Match Referee – Tony Harrington








NOTTINGHAM FOREST 2 IPSWICH TOWN 1

[hallamblue]

Forest win … because yet again, OTO McKenna will play the Reserve side yet again, despite the fact this club / 1st team needs to keep some form of continuity and play this game. But OTP McKenna will keep to his process no doubt, and play the kids.

Forest 10- Town 0

[Shed on tour]

Forest win … because yet again, OTO McKenna will play the Reserve side yet again, despite the fact this club / 1st team needs to keep some form of continuity and play this game. But OTP McKenna will keep to his process no doubt, and play the kids.

Forest 10- Town 0

Liz, the question is if it does end up being 10-0 will it be down to fine margins?

[Charnwood]

For me Monday nights match is all about which manager wants it most. In the Premier League Nuno rarely changes his starting X1 apart from the odd tweak in midfield. and unlike McKenna he know exactly what his strongest side is. However in the FA Cup, so far he’s chosen to play a second string side like the one that needed extra time and penalties to win at Exeter in the last round. The dilemma for Nuno now is does he risk this again in the 5th Round of a completion Forest are now favourites to win, or does he focus his attention on securing Forest a top four finish and a lucrative place in next seasons Champions League. If he does the later and McKenna plays his strongest team there’s no reason why we can’t win this and progress to the QF’s.
In many ways this is similar to 1978 when town finished the season 18th in the Premier League just 3 points above the relegation places. Meanwhile Forest ended the season as Premier League Champions with Liverpool runners up.
I’m foolishly going for town to win by the odd goal in normal time against Forest’s reserves.

Nice preview Mike although it was Harry McGuire who scored the winning goal not Harry Clarke.

[EveryoneKnowsaDave]

I cant see us winning this. KM in EADT saying we're going to go for it, so hopefully see a strong starting eleven. But Forest will be too good for us.

[The Odious Mr Rossi]

I agree that we need to start with our strongest possible line-up for 2 reasons: to give us the best chance of getting a result, and to give the team a bit of momentum going into the Palace game.

Will it happen? I'm already reading quotes that there will be changes, so I'm not too hopeful that the team selected will be anywhere near our strongest.

Forest 3 - Town 1

[Bluemike]

For me Monday nights match is all about which manager wants it most. In the Premier League Nuno rarely changes his starting X1 apart from the odd tweak in midfield. and unlike McKenna he know exactly what his strongest side is. However in the FA Cup, so far he’s chosen to play a second string side like the one that needed extra time and penalties to win at Exeter in the last round. The dilemma for Nuno now is does he risk this again in the 5th Round of a completion Forest are now favourites to win, or does he focus his attention on securing Forest a top four finish and a lucrative place in next seasons Champions League. If he does the later and McKenna plays his strongest team there’s no reason why we can’t win this and progress to the QF’s.
In many ways this is similar to 1978 when town finished the season 18th in the Premier League just 3 points above the relegation places. Meanwhile Forest ended the season as Premier League Champions with Liverpool runners up.
I’m foolishly going for town to win by the odd goal in normal time against Forest’s reserves.

Nice preview Mike although it was Harry McGuire who scored the winning goal not Harry Clarke.

Lol, if only, thanks for that

[hallamblue]

Shed: 10-0 IS a fine margin


Edit: how come this game has been put ba k by 2 days, yet out next league game has not also been put back?

That's hardly advantageous to our players is it. Palace will have had a big break between their games.

[Mariner67]

Maybe coner Townshend will finally get a game after his good performance against villa, everyone even my cat can see he's the best player at left back,might even put 2 up front lol

[arana peligrosa]

You can stick with the fundamentals on this.

#1 Lyall was manager (the) last time any Town team won a Fifth Round game in this competition

#2 McKenna won't go for it. Not a chance. What remains in this tournament is immaterial to himself and doubtless a great many others as the primary, or only focus, is getting enough points in the league to avert a relegation. Pity is had we played better or taken our chances in so many league fixtures by now we'd be a position where we could really make the trip there and give them a game with something to spare but there's a league crisis underway where the only true objective of what's left of the season can or shall remain.

#3 By time of game we'll be in the last nine or ten of competition. Seems so near to a glory and you can almost feel a sense of doing something but for reasons stated it's once again about as far as the team can hope. McKenna will field the basics and essentially reserve team, not only that, they'll want it more.

Voted for a home team victory. Didn't want to, don't want them to win, would hope we can continue 110 per cent another round but there's just too many factors against us.

[marko69]

7 through, Forest & Ipswich left….. so, 9 Saint.

Nice way to look at it though. Like that.

[Bluemike]

A much more enjoyable weekend without Football to spoil it

[hallamblue]

Ain't that the truth !

[marko69]

Except in Edinburgh.

Myself & Scottys first derby attendance since tumour diagnosis in 2021.
This was full time.

https://youtu.be/nCY3zm_rmF0?si=X9DOONzyq9SAnpMG

Get it RRRRRRRIGHT up ye, Jambos.

[AzzurroMark]

Except in Edinburgh.

Myself & Scottys first derby attendance since tumour diagnosis in 2021.
This was full time.

https://youtu.be/nCY3zm_rmF0?si=X9DOONzyq9SAnpMG

Get it RRRRRRRIGHT up ye, Jambos.

I absolutely love this song and to hear a football ground reverberating with fans singing it is magical.
Just a quick question Marko, and excuse my ignorance, but (as with "You'll never walk alone" at Anfield) do they sing this at every home game?

[marko69]

Except in Edinburgh.

Myself & Scottys first derby attendance since tumour diagnosis in 2021.
This was full time.

https://youtu.be/nCY3zm_rmF0?si=X9DOONzyq9SAnpMG

Get it RRRRRRRIGHT up ye, Jambos.

I absolutely love this song and to hear a football ground reverberating with fans singing it is magical.
Just a quick question Marko, and excuse my ignorance, but (as with "You'll never walk alone" at Anfield) do they sing this at every home game?

Yes, its sung before kick off (not always, only vs Old firm or the hertz) and always usually sung after any win. It is way more passionate though when its a win vs those bucket rakers across the city! Absolutely LOVE fwd'ing it on to jambo buddies! Obviously they must delete before opening....., but I keep on sending a couple hours apart! Just returning the inevitable Hearts "banter" that Hibs fans have to endure!

[Bluemike]

Incredible anthem, one of the best

[marko69]

Brighton V Ipswich it is.

Nuno: "Haha, you really think so?"

Yep ....., Goldstone Ground for ITFC!!

Ref: "Mate....., its not called that anymore!"

[Bluemike]

So, what's the team gonna be, i hope to god we don't have that car crash back in goal but I have a bad feeling, I can also see Woolfenden and Burgess at CB. We really need to be going full strength for this one, alas I'm not sure we will.

[marko69]

This is to get into the QUARTER FINALS of (what many see as a big trophy) the FA CUP! If the Messiah plays Muric, even i will remove my tongue to ask , “WHY, for your dad, Gods sake?!”

In short, Palmer needs to be, and feckin better be, in goal.

[valleyroad]

Except in Edinburgh.

Myself & Scottys first derby attendance since tumour diagnosis in 2021.
This was full time.

https://youtu.be/nCY3zm_rmF0?si=X9DOONzyq9SAnpMG

Get it RRRRRRRIGHT up ye, Jambos.

I absolutely love this song and to hear a football ground reverberating with fans singing it is magical.
Just a quick question Marko, and excuse my ignorance, but (as with "You'll never walk alone" at Anfield) do they sing this at every home game?

Yes, its sung before kick off (not always, only vs Old firm or the hertz) and always usually sung after any win. It is way more passionate though when its a win vs those bucket rakers across the city! Absolutely LOVE fwd'ing it on to jambo buddies! Obviously they must delete before opening....., but I keep on sending a couple hours apart! Just returning the inevitable Hearts "banter" that Hibs fans have to endure!

Nice to see the Hibees doing so well, great moment when big Sammy went and pulled wee Eddie May into the celebrations
Did you post this Marko
https://www.google.com/search?q=hibs+su ... 8vTaE,st:0

[Shed on tour]

The way KM spoke the other day it sounded like if Muric is fit then there is every possibility that he will play tonight. Really can’t see him putting out a full strength side, I’m not even sure he knows what that is, just hope that we can put in a good effort for those travelling fans tonight.

[marko69]

The way KM spoke the other day it sounded like if Muric is fit then there is every possibility that he will play tonight.

Haven't managed to catch KMcK's words on this ...., but i'd be shocked. And i'd be a tad pi$$ed off if I was travelling to Nott'm from Ipswich. If he is in goal, and Ipswich are pumped tonight, I hope McKenna does a good "Lambert deed" and pays for the Ipswich Town travelling coaches.

[marko69]

Nice to see the Hibees doing so well, great moment when big Sammy went and pulled wee Eddie May into the celebrations
Did you post this Marko

Na man, I am always in the East. Which is that stand opposite. And in the same section as that guy who sticks out in yellow! (Not me) ...., but in the centre section 42 area, three quarters up from the pitch and just left of centre as you look at the pic. If you zoom in, you will see me posting "Sir David is the Messiah just like McKenna is the Messiah" posts!

[The Odious Mr Rossi]

Nice to see the Hibees doing so well, great moment when big Sammy went and pulled wee Eddie May into the celebrations
Did you post this Marko
https://www.google.com/search?q=hibs+su ... 8vTaE,st:0

Really struggling to see what this has to do with the Forest vs Ipswich Preview and Matchday Thread.

Maybe I'm just thick.

[valleyroad]

Nice to see the Hibees doing so well, great moment when big Sammy went and pulled wee Eddie May into the celebrations
Did you post this Marko
https://www.google.com/search?q=hibs+su ... 8vTaE,st:0

Really struggling to see what this has to do with the Forest vs Ipswich Preview and Matchday Thread.

Maybe I'm just thick.

I was responding to Marko but yes you are thick and quite odious to boot.

[marko69]

Apologies. Was responding to the weekend being spoilt. Couldn't resist.

Carry on and be disappointed tonight before the game, during it, and after it because "Kieron's at the wheel" still.

[The Odious Mr Rossi]

Nice to see the Hibees doing so well, great moment when big Sammy went and pulled wee Eddie May into the celebrations
Did you post this Marko
https://www.google.com/search?q=hibs+su ... 8vTaE,st:0

Really struggling to see what this has to do with the Forest vs Ipswich Preview and Matchday Thread.

Maybe I'm just thick.

I was responding to Marko but yes you are thick and quite odious to boot.

Why thank you kindly. I guess it takes one to know one.

[Bluemike]

A weakened side, numerous changes, can only see a comfortable defeat I'm afraid. Only positive is Palmer starts, he may well be very busy.

[EveryoneKnowsaDave]

Who is T Taylor on the bench?