Sheffield United beat local rivals Barnsley last Tuesday by two goals to one with loan players John-Joe O'Toole and Arturo Lupoli finding the net within the last ten minutes, (Daniel Bogdanovic scored for the Tykes) which set up a fantastic fixture with the Reading at the Madejski Stadium on Good Friday.
The Blades moved into second place after winning at Reading 1-0 on Good Friday; they soon moved back into 3rd after Birmingham City drew 0-0 at Charlton Athletic yesterday but Brian Howard's 59th minute winner gave United a good chance of automatic promotion.
Earlier in the season the Blades and Forest met each other at the City Ground where on 9 December, United came out on top with a one-nil victory - midfielder Brian Howard netting the only goal of the game.
Near the final minutes of the game striker Jamie Ward had to be stretchered off after a lungeing tackle by Michael Dubbety and his state of injury (if any) is unsure; he may not feature against Nottingham Forest but fellow strikers Billy Sharp and Danny Webber are in full training and either one may replace the former Chesterfield striker.
Blades Line-Up (v Reading): Kenny, Halford, Morgan, Kilgallon, Naysmith, O'Toole (Beattie 55), Montgomery, Howard (Bromby 90), Naughton, Henderson, Ward (Cotterill 82). Subs Not Used: Lupoli, Hendrie.
Nottingham Forest have made a steady progress to their first season back in the Championship after a three year absence but are lingering around the dreaded relegation trap door which looks likely to be filled up by Charlton Athletic and two others which could include Forest, Southampton or Barnsley.
Reds manager Billy Davies set out to upset Barnsley manger Simon Davey a little over a week ago after he praised Blades skipper Chris Morgan and branding him an excellent defender; he succeeded in his ploy but on the day the two sides drew 1-1 at Oakwell. Robert Earnshaw scored for the visitors whilst goal scorer Jamal Campbell-Ryce saw his penalty saved (again!).
They moved out of the relegation zone after a last gasp winner against Bristol City on Saturday at the City Ground but had to come from behind when keeper Iain Turner spilled into the path of Ivan Spoule who tucked home - Robert Earnshaw levelled the scoreline.
However Dele Adebola, whom has been linked with a summer to Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday headed the visitors re-took the lead. Jamie McAllister was shown a red card for City and soon after Joe Garner made the score square until on-loan Dexter Blackstock netted the winner in injury time.
Forest manager Billy Davies has a selection headache, due to the number of loan players at the club. Only five are allowed in the final sixteen, but the Reds have seven on their books. Midfielder Guy Moussi (ankle) is expected to miss out because of an injury.
Forest Line-Up (v Bristol City): Turner, Gunter, Morgan, Wilson, Lynch, Perch (McGugan 79), Moussi (McCleary 60), Cohen, Anderson, Earnshaw (Garner 71), Blackstock. Subs Not Used: Smith, Chambers.