Nottingham Forest coach knows what to expect from Crystal Palace

Tuesday, September 18, 2012
7:25 AM

Nottingham Forest coach Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink is expecting Crystal Palace to look to stifle his side when they meet at Selhurst Park tonight.

The Eagles have bounced back from defeats in their first three games with consecutive victories over Sheffield Wednesday and rivals Charlton.

“Teams will set out to try and make life difficult for us but I think we will overcome that,” the coach said.

“Home or away in the Championship is a battle. You just have to prepare for games as well as you possibly can and be ready for the challenge – and we are ready.”

The Midlands club had to come back from 2-0 down at home to Birmingham City on Saturday to pick up a point for a 2-2 draw.

“We had half chances against Birmingham at 0-0 and if we had put one of them away they would have opened up and it would have become a different game.

“We didn’t score first but we were patient and showed spirit and character to come from behind, which is what you need.

“I’m happier that we came back against Birmingham like we did than the comeback against Bolton.

“Birmingham came with a plan and made it very difficult for us.

“But to still get something out of the game – from 2-0 down – was very pleasing. It was a good achievement for the players.

“We want to play well; we want to work the ball; we want to pass it and we want to give the opposition a problem.

“Unfortunately on Saturday it didn’t go how we wanted it to but we’re still unbeaten.”