Before I start, I just want to say a big thank you for the overwhelming response to the last article I wrote about the allegations of racism during the Leicester match last week. I would also respectfully direct you towards The72′s article for a wider perspective (and some interesting comments). The editor of The72 did comment on Twitter that in many ways, it would be better if there didn’t have to be a replay, but I guess we cannot help that.

Anyway, back to matters on the pitch, which is what we would rather focus on. Forest have no fresh injury problems, although Kieron Freeman has gone on loan over the river for a month to get some more game time. This will undoubtedly mean a return for Greg Cunningham, and Dexter Blackstock and Paul Anderson will also hope for more substantial game time after cameos last week. I doubt Wes Morgan will return, despite reports that his rehabilitation is ahead of schedule.

Southampton’s top marksman Rickie Lambert is suspended, but they should be able upon veteran striker David Connolly (another one of those “he always seems to score against us, doesn’t he?” type players). Fellow veteran Kelvin Davis may also play in goal for the Saints.

This will really be a tough game for the Reds, but strangely enough, I am quietly confident that Steve Cotterill’s men should be able to make it a hard afternoon for our high-flying visitors. May the best team win; and if not the best team, then the boys in red.

Live match updates will appear on our Twitter feed after 2pm; we will also be resuming normal service with our post-match podcast later on today