Nottingham Forest will try to “rile up” Wolverhampton Wanderers when the two sides meet at the City Ground in the Premier League this weekend, says former Wolves man Dave Edwards.
They have already been involved in a feisty encounter in the Carabao Cup earlier this season, with Forest beating Wolves on penalties at the City Ground in January. Both clubs were charged by the Football Association for a melee which broke out at the end of the tie, with Wolves boss Julen Lopetegui criticised after confronting Morgan Gibbs-White.
The FA said: “We are unanimous in our view that Wolves bear a significantly higher responsibility for this mass confrontation. It was the extremely ill-judged action and timing of Julen Lopetegui approaching Morgan Gibbs-White to remonstrate with him that was the catalyst for what followed.”
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The FA fined Wolves £45,000 and Forest £40,000. And Edwards believes the animosity will spill over into the Premier League clash on Saturday.
“It will be a very hostile atmosphere at the City Ground, especially after previous meetings this term,” he told the Express & Star. “It’s a test. Forest are good at home and they can get results. But the key thing for me is Wolves staying composed to firstly ensure they do not lose the game and then hopefully have enough to go on and win.
“Wolves have better players on the pitch, there’s no doubt about that. But Julen Lopetegui’s side just have to play their game and not get roped into any emotional baggage or antics – I have no doubt Forest’s remit pre-match will be to rile up the away players, to make them snap into silly decisions.
“If Wolves can stay away from those antics, remain as calm as possible and let their football do the talking I’ve no doubt they can run out winners.”
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