The Promotion Six Pointer.....

We always said when the fixtures came out that Oldham away and Forest at home would test our promotion ambitions very early on and, despite that defeat last weekend, we still take great encouragement from the level of the performance as well as the midweek victory largely by a 'second string' against Walsall in the Carling Cup.

It's been good signs so far and I honestly believe that despite the zero return to date we are on the right track. The football is good, the players are good and when that works then it is only a matter of time before the results will follow.

The heading of this preview says a promotion six pointer which is total rubbish, because it is the 2nd game of the season but it would be a psychological boost for whoever wins tomorrow from the sides expected to contest the promotion places come next May.

It could be argued that Forest are under more pressure - having dropped points at home last weekend whilst we lost a game we probably weren't expected to win anyway. Again, it's too early in the season, we have these discussions around April when positions can be decided, not in August.

It will attract a huge crowd to the Liberty which always makes for an enjoyable Saturday afternoon and a decent sized away crowd (less than we took to Oldham?) can only increase the atmosphere. The first home league game of a season is always special - when it is one of your bigger games it's more special again.

So team news wise? Alan Tate and Paul Anderson are both major doubts ahead of the game which may make a potential headache easier for Roberto in that he doesn't have to make a decision of two from Monk, Tate and Rangel. The Swans I suspect will line up as follows

Doris

Rangel Monk Lawrence Painter

Britton Ferrie Pratley Robbo

Scotland Duffy

Jason Scotland is fast becoming very much the man to back to become first scorer following his two goals already this week but there are goals in the side above and watching them attack at Oldham last weekend was a joy at times.

Forest arrive at the Liberty without the pace of Nathan Tyson who had knee surgery in the close season and also will be without Ian Breckin although they may welcome Matt Lockwood back into the side.

It does promise to be a cracking afternoon at the Liberty - for those looking for liquid refreshment remember the Brewers Fayre is closed for a refit so you will need to look elsewhere for that beer!!

Enjoy the game and this time tomorrow we will have 3 points on the board!

What are your thoughts? Share your views on the Message Board