New loan signing Jamie Clapham is likely to come straight into the Leeds side for the game between League One’s two biggest clubs, as Andy Hughes and Ian Westlake are both doubtful.
Clapham was clearly relishing the game when he spoke to the Yorkshire Post. "These are the two biggest clubs in the division, and it's a massive test. I don't know whether we're expected to win at Forest or not, but it's two big clubs fighting against each other and fighting to get out of this division. That was one of my reasons (for joining Leeds). I just feel that this is a great opportunity. I know the club's in League One but there won't be a shortage of people watching these games. Every scout and every club will be keeping their eye on Leeds to see how they do. I don't expect to be guaranteed a place, but I do expect to be judged on performances. I'll give it my all for the period I'm here, in the same way as I would anywhere else. In the last two or three games the team have come on strong in the last 10 minutes, and that shows their fitness and their desire – a never-say-die attitude. The players have got that."
Clapham is initially at Leeds on loan until September 30th, but as he is out of favour at Molineux, it is likely that Mick McCarthy would agree to any request to extend his stay at Elland Road. He can play in midfield as well as defence, and said "There seems to be a lack of left-sided players here, so I'll play where I'm asked to play." This suggests that in the absence of Hughes and Westlake he might be operating on the left side of midfield tomorrow, hopefully with young Ben Parker getting another chance behind him at left back, after impressing during his substitute appearance against Southend last week.
Tore Andre Flo is likely to be a substitute again, despite coming off the bench to score against Southend in his first match back from broken bone in his foot. Jermaine Beckford and Tresor Kandol are expected to start the game as Leeds front two. Seb Carole could start on the right after tormenting the Southend defence last week, and Robert Bayly has completed the suspension imposed after his sending off in the final game of last season. But we will still be without Leon Constantine (ankle) Shaun Derry (heel) and Gylfi Einarsson (calf).
Forest have a few injury problems of their own, and striker Nathan Tyson will not be risked after his return from a knee injury. The 25-year-old, who is back from surgery to repair medial knee ligament damage, scored and completed 71 minutes of the Reds' 2-0 reserve victory at Rotherham but is not yet fit enough to stand up to the rough and tumble of 90 minutes of League One football. Defender Matt Lockwood and midfield player Arron Davies are out with ankle problems while defender Ian Breckin is still out with a calf injury. Lewis McGugan is not expected back for at least four months after an ankle operation, and midfielder Chris Cohen remains short of match fitness despite good progress following surgery on a groin problem.
Forest haven’t exactly had an exciting start to the season, having drawn all three games nil-nil, although they did manage to beat Chester on penalties in the League Cup. A draw will probably be a good result for Leeds in this game, and I think we’ll get one.