Bristol City vs Nottingham Forest
FA Cup
4th round
Friday
26th January 2024
Ashton Gate Stadium
The most comprehensive preview, detailed analysis and reliable predictions of the FA cup 4th round fixture between Bristol City and Nottingham Forest.
Bristol City vs Nottingham Forest: Preview
Bristol City form analysis
The Robins will seek improvements in the second half of the season after seeing a brief festive resurgence halted by back-to-back defeats has put them at 13th position in the Championship table. The latest setback came in a frustrating 1-1 draw at home to struggling Watford, giving up a lead despite dominant territorial possession. That stalemate followed a humbling 2-0 loss away at Preston over a week prior, struggling at both ends against mid-table opposition.
However, the manager will take heart from a fine 4-1 demolition of Watford on Boxing Day thanks to the predatory instincts of striker Nahki Wells and other creative talents. But turning performances and promising spells into points on a more consistent basis remains the priority if City are to push up into playoff contention after another season of consolidation to date. Tightening up defensively and clinical finishing are necessities for Bristol City.
Nottingham Forest form analysis
Nottingham Forest showed signs of life in the Premier League survival fight recently. A late 3-2 defeat away at Brentford undid their revival. Forest battled impressively against in-form Brentford despite falling two goals behind on the road. But ultimately their winless run was extended to seven league matches ahead of a huge home clash with fellow strugglers Leeds next.
That loss followed a narrow 2-1 home win over Manchester City. Indeed, defensive resilience, spirit and clinical finishing from Brennan Johnson and Chris Wood inspired the upset. Harnessing those qualities on a consistent basis is now the challenge. With just three league wins all campaign and the division’s second-worst defensive record, Forest must build on the platform of the City win if they are to pull clear of danger after big signings like Danilo and Felipe.
