Sheff Weds v Nottm Forest 18/11/96 8.00

Sheff Weds                  0 Nottm Forest                0 

David Pleat has called on his Sheffield Wednesday troops to bury their Nottingham Forest bogey when the bottom of the table midlanders visit Hillsborough tomorrow.

The Owls have lost all four encounters in the two years since Frank Clark returned Forest to the top flight two seasons ago, conceding 15 goals in the process, and Pleat has demanded that Wednesday put the record straight when they go in search of their first win in 11 league and cup outings.

``We have lost our last four games against them and we've got to do something about that,'' said Hillsborough boss Pleat, who believes that Forest will soon turn the corner in their quest for Premiership safety.

``There is only a third of the season gone and I will be surprised if they stay in that area. They have good players and good management.''

The men from South Yorkshire will once again be without striker David Hirst, who has failed to shake off the Achilles problem that has kept him out for two matches.

England Under-21 starlet Ritchie Humphreys could be paired alongside Andy Booth up front, with Scott Oakes set to drop out, while Dutchman Reggi Blinker is challenging Welsh international Mark Pembridge for a place on the left side of midfield after being axed for the 1-1 draw with Southampton two weeks ago.

Midfielder Wayne Collins, a crucial factor in Wednesday's excellent start to the season which saw them lead the Premiership during the early weeks with four wins in succession, is also in contention for a recall.

The former Crewe man suffered a groin injury in the defeat at Arsenal in early September but came back in a reserve-team run-out at non-league Merthyr and now has to prove to Pleat that he is fit enough for a senior place.

Forest boss Clark, meanwhile, has fitness worries over skipper Stuart Pearce and former Wednesday man Chris Bart-Williams.

Full-back Pearce returned from England duty in Georgia carrying a slight ankle injury, while midfielder Bart-Williams has missed Forest's last two outings with a thigh problem.

But striker Kevin Campbell is on course for a return at Hillsborough after an 11-match absence with hamstring and ankle injuries.

Campbell proved his fitness by playing for the reserves last weekend and he admitted: ``I can't wait to get back into the side, although whether I will play against Wednesday is undecided.''

The former Arsenal hit-man, who launched the season with four goals in as many games including an opening day hat-trick at Coventry which earned Forest their only league win of the season so far, is likely to come in for Jason Lee if he is deemed ready to return.

With Steve Chettle suspended, Clark is likely to hand Steve Blatherwick or Croatian Nikola Jerkan a first-team recall in the centre of defence.

Forest will travel to Yorkshire full of confidence despite their sorry start to the season and last year they were 3-1 winners at Hillsborough and 1-0 victors at the City Ground.


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