Championship club Forest can capitalise on scoreless Spurs again

Tottenham’s home form against Nottingham Forest over the last three decades, since Brian Clough (whose passing 10 years ago on September 20th nearly coincided with this fixture) was in charge in 1986, has been abysmal.

In the last 16 games at White Hart Lane in all competitions, the Reds have remarkably racked up 10 wins, losing only twice. Back them to extend that record by beating the north Londoners away again at 9/2 in 90 minutes.

In the last 33 games in all matches, meanwhile, Forest have won 16, losing nine and drawing eight times. League Cup encounters have produced virtually the same result; in the previous five games, the East Midlands club came out on top with three victories and thus knocking them out. But two draws in 90 minutes suggest that outcome again would be a good shout at 10/3, to force the fixture into extra time, with Forest 11/4 chances to qualify.

North London side Tottenham, though, have won the most important cup competitions in recent times, claiming a 2-1 scoreline in the 1991 FA Cup final. Current Forest boss Stuart Pearce got their sole goal that day, but his side are odds-on 8/15 to lose again, and 15/2 by that scoreline – both within 90 minutes.

Despite Spurs being established Premier League European qualifiers and their upcoming Capital One Cup opponents down a division in the Championship, the two sides’ form could not be more different.

Forest currently lead the way in the second tier, and are undefeated from their opening eight games, and 10 in all competitions. From those matches, they have claimed six clean sheets so, if you fancy your chances, back them with great odds at 13/2 to not concede again in normal time, and 12/1 for a win to nil.

Mauricio Pochettino’s men, on the other hand, have not gained a victory in their last four games in all competitions, including the most recent 1-0 home defeat to West Bromwich Albion, three of those being without getting a goal. Tottenham are 6/1 to not score again.

Pearce is boosted even more by reports suggesting that the hosts will field a much-changed line-up, with the likes of Michel Vorm and Roberto Soldado (3/1 to net anytime) set for starts. However, the former Forest and England left back will be without skipper Chris Cohen, Matty Fryatt, Jack Hobbs and Jack Hunt, while Andy Reid has been denied a return to face his old side.