Does FA Cup have its magic back?published at 14:28 25 March
14:28 25 March
Pat Nevin Former footballer and presenter
Image source, Getty Images
Looking a little further ahead in England, at least this weekend gives some players a little break. The Premier League takes a rest while the FA Cup quarter-finals top the bill and rarely has there been a more unusual cast list.
Bournemouth, Preston North End, Fulham, Nottingham Forest, Crystal Palace and Brighton are not regulars in FA Cup finals, so it is a great chance for glory.
Not since Forest in 1959 have any of the above won the trophy.
Many of the big dogs have gone out already - not because they didn't care, but because they simply weren't good enough.
The FA Cup seems to have its sparkle back and, with a bit of luck, it might even have the first magical fairytale ending we have seen since Wigan in 2013.
'Squad players are the ones who can make a real impact now'published at 12:23 25 March
12:23 25 March
Pat Riddell Fan writer
Image source, Getty Images
Nottingham Forest's first team is so settled that, given our current position, it is difficult to ask any more of them.
Ten names make the manager's teamsheet without any thought and the 11th place invariably falls to Nicolas Dominguez or Ryan Yates in midfield, depending on the opposition.
Midfielders Danilo and Ibrahim Sangare are still finding match fitness after injury, while Taiwo Awoniyi finds himself in a similar position given the form of Chris Wood.
However, the news from New Zealand's World Cup qualifier this weekend presents a dilemma for Nuno Espirito Santo. After limping off in the 3-0 win over New Caledonia, we can only hope Wood's injury is not too serious.
Anthony Elanga has played in a more advanced role in the past few games, but Awoniyi might find himself called upon to be the Reds' target man again. In substitute appearances he has done a job in occupying opposition defences, holding the ball up and bringing in team-mates. But can he find the form that brought him 10 goals in 2022-23?
Forest have been particularly reliant on Wood being so prolific this season, although the team has been helped by others scoring in recent matches. As the only like-for-like replacement in the squad, Awoniyi may have the opportunity to secure his future at the club - or impress potential suitors.
Either way, in the remaining nine league games it is likely that squad players are the ones who can make a real impact - even with limited opportunity. Forwards Jota Silva and Ramon Sosa have shown their potential and can relieve the pressure on the front three of Wood, Elanga and Callum Hudson-Odoi.
Keeping momentum going and staying fit is going to be key to Forest's season now.
Awoniyi has proved to be crucial to the club's destiny in the past. Can he do it again?
Potential injury scare for Woodpublished at 11:23 24 March
11:23 24 March
Image source, Getty Images
Nottingham Forest striker Chris Wood limped off less than 10 minutes into the second half as New Zealand beat New Caledonia 3-0 on Sunday to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
The 33-year-old was forced off with an apparent hip injury, with Forest facing Brighton in the FA Cup quarter-finals on Saturday before a return to Premier League action against Manchester United on 1 April.
Wood has scored 18 Premier League goals for Forest this season, a tally bettered by only Mohamed Salah, Erling Haaland and Alexander Isak.
Potential replacement Taiwo Awoniyi has only started two of his 22 league appearances in 2024-25, scoring once.
Image source, Getty Images
