Stoke v Nottingham Forest: Resolute Potters too strong for Reds

Stoke v Nottingham Forest
Tuesday December 29, 20:00
Sky Sports

Stoke secure Boxing Day point

Stoke played out a third successive goalless draw on the road when the Potters were held at Coventry on Boxing Day. In a game of few on-target efforts, it was Michael O'Neill's visitors who appeared the most likely to break the deadlock, midfielder Jordan Thompson going close either side of the break, hitting the bar with the second of his two attempts.

Striker Steven Fletcher could have earned Stoke all three points but was twice wide with good headed chances, first when Nathan Collins headed a deep free-kick across goal and then from Tommy Smith's cross. At the opposite end, goalkeeper Joe Bursik was only twice called into action as the Potters kept their hosts at arm's length for the bulk of the contest.

Speaking post-match, the City boss said, "We are disappointed not to win. We had enough chances to win. We just couldn't find the goal." Morgan Fox's hamstring injury had forced O'Neill to change his shape from four at the back to a 3-5-2 with James McClean on at wing-back but Joe Allen's return to the substitute bench was welcomed by the Potters.

Forest held at St Andrew's

Struggling Nottingham Forest extended their unbeaten run to three games in a forgettable goalless fixture with Birmingham at the City Ground on Boxing Day. The Tricky Trees had the better of the first half, with Ryan Yates going closest with a fierce strike that drew a fine reaction save before the visitors improved their performance levels after the interval .

Forest had a late chance to take all the points when centre-half Tobias Figueiredo was denied. However, that was just about their only noteworthy attempt as they failed to build on a decent first 45 minutes that Blues unable to muster a strike on target. Nevertheless, Reds stopper Brice Samba was the busier of the two keepers, even if his saves were all fairly regulation.

Not for the first time, supporters were left bemoaning the lack of craft, guile and clinical edge in the Forest displays. And speaking post-match, boss Chris Hughton said, "Defensively I'm happy with the clean sheet, but I just feel we needed to do more for that breakthrough, we needed to perhaps be a bit braver on the ball to allow us to get into some good positions."

Potters preferred at the prices

Both Championship meetings between Stoke and Nottingham Forest were goal-filled affairs in 2019/20 with the away side victorious on both occasions. In fact, the Tricky Trees' 3-2 triumph here back in September 2019 was their first away at the Potters since 1994, although the duo have only crossed swords on six occasions in that sample (W0-D2-L4).

Stoke 2.407/5 have found a slice of consistency this season, built upon a well-drilled a solid foundation. The Potters have only been beaten on five occasions, recording a league-equalling best of 12 clean sheets in 21 outings (W9-D7-L5). The hosts have returned W5-D2-L3 on home soil with their only defeats arriving against fellow top-half opponents.

Nottingham Forest 3.4012/5 appointed Chris Hughton just four games into the new campaign and the former Brighton boss has guided the Reds to a mediocre W4-D6-L7 return. The Tricky Trees have climbed out of the relegation zone but continue to toil on their travels having suffered seven losses in 10 games as guests, whilst scoring only four goals.

Stoke can secure positive result

Stoke have silenced seven of their last eight opponents with Under 2.5 Goals 1.501/2 also proving profitable in seven of those eight fixtures. Indeed, in nine of the Potters' 11 matches with bottom-half dwellers, Michael O'Neill's men have kept their sheets clean (W5-D6-L0) and following a familiar blueprint could prove the smart way to play Tuesday's tussle.

Backing Stoke Double Chance and Under 2.5 Goals has paid out in 10 of those 11 duels with the league's lesser lights, as well as seven of the Potters' previous eight encounters. Meanwhile, a hefty 14 of Nottingham Forest's 21 games have delivered returns in the same selection, including eight of the Reds' 10 road trips in 2020/21.