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One match ban enabled

It does amaze me that clubs make so many changes to their teams for the cup games. Villa had just come off the back of a thumping win over Brizzle. Could’ve taken the Posh apart and got some momentum going. A real missed opportunity. Their fans won’t be happy about a limp exit from the cup so maybe there is pressure to be put on them should things not start well for them at the CG.

Forest should hopefully be bang up for this one after the Arsenal win and with a new manager to impress. Karanka won’t change a great deal of last weekend’s team, I’m sure.

I think I would rather see Fox than Mills replace Worrall. Fox has been the more impressive of the two when he has played this season. Mills must surely be on his way out of the CG?

Paul Taylor reckoned so, but that was under the old regime: I would imagine that everybody gets a clean slate until Karanka makes his own mind up.

That means the rest of the season is going to be about consolidation/ stopping the leaks.

Yes, sometimes players surprise you when there is a regime change at the club. I’d be more than happy if Mills showed an upturn in form.

I'm not expecting any radical team changes, but after a massive confidence boost against Arsenal, and a new manager 'bounce', I am expecting a good performance and a win.

Karanka has only three decisions: Who comes in for Joe? Does Bridcutt return? Does Murphy return? The answer to the last two should be an easy no. The replacement for Joe is either Mills or Fox. I would go with Danny Fox to be honest. He is a left footer, and he is more comfortable with the ball at his feet. However, I expect AK to go for Matt Mills, who given we have now adopted a more safety first approach to defending will feel more at home.

Mills might feel a bit more confident if there unless onus on passing at all costs. Fox was far better when he had that little spell earlier in the season. Is more composed IMO.

We're in for Charley Musonda from Chelsea apparently. Had a good game against earlier this season. Could be a really good signing, but who makes way for him if we succeed?

Was ruminating on that on my transfer thread...☹️

If they move Carayol on then he would be a good replacement in the short term.

Match day. Cloudy and a little chilly in Notts.

Karanka was a ball playing CB so maybe he’ll pick Fox over Mills. Difference is Karanka knew how to defend!

Can see Bridcutt coming in but think Brereton has to keep his place ahead of Murphy

Heard a rumour that Bridcutt may have a foot injury?

He hurt his ankle is training but think it’s not too bad although might rule him out for today

Yes, they thought he had broken it so he must have taken a proper whack on it.

Kodjia out for Villa I believe. I'm pleased about that; he's given us problems in the past. Would have liked Terry to play though; BB would relish playing against him.

https://twitter.com/nffc

Same team with Matt Mills in for Worrall.
No CBs on the bench.

Mills in for Worral is the only change.

Not surprising, you wouldn’t make seeeping changes to a team you’ve only just met

Darikwa makes the bench.

Awwww no. Hopefully Mills and Darikwa should he play have a fantastic game.
Secretly I want him to get rid of both.
Realistically I can't see Mills going anywhere even if we sign a CB. We are well short with Hobbs being a crock

Kodjia is out for most of the season. Terry and Whelan back in for us. Not impressed. Terry turned his ankle over mid-week and we have a decent (and quicker) alternative with Elphick. Whelan is slow; he's back in as Jedinak is injured but Bruce has more mobile alternatives.

The last two league games have been an improvement over the preceding mediocre spell, but wouldn't be surprised if you win this. Bruce is too cautious and his teams should perform better.

I’m surprised to see Terry too. I thought he was a doubt. Hogan upfront alone. Forest need to get hold of this from the off and get at Villa. Get Brereton turning Terry around.

Good start. Brereton looking sharp.

Nice understated entrance by Karanka too. Alex McLeish take note.

“Stevie Bruce, got a face like an ar$e!”