Nottinghamshire

Pat Riddell
Fan writer

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This season is undoubtedly a success, but nobody is going to really say that until we can quantify what 'success' means.

Getting to our first FA Cup semi-final in three decades was a huge moment, but sadly was not an occasion we to rose to.

Being in the top four of the Premier League for so long, and safe from relegation by January, is a million miles away from the reality of battling relegation in the previous two seasons.

The next three games are obviously huge for Nottingham Forest, yet it is also important to recognise this progress and admire just how far we have come.

And, with that in mind, the question - whatever happens in the next few weeks - is how do we build on this success?

How do the Reds make this landmark season a building block, rather than just a one-off? Can Wembley visits, European competition and the right end of the Premier League become a regular fixture?

Strengthening the squad is clearly key to this future. We do not necessarily need a bigger squad but performing beyond expectations this season has shown up our limitations and, having gone so long without serious injuries, recent weeks have exposed our lack of depth.

The signings of Nikola Milenkovic and Elliot Anderson last summer have been the difference for Forest this season, with both players making the first XI a force to be reckoned with.

But without real competition for Chris Wood, Anthony Elanga and Callum Hudson-Odoi, we have struggled.

Similarly, while low possession and counter-attacking football has been the Reds' trademark - what next? How do we progress to keeping more of the ball, controlling games and creating or converting more chances?

These are evidently not questions for the here and now, but in order to build on this yet-to-be-quantified success it is important to recognise progress - and ensure it is lasting.

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Former Nottingham Forest striker Robert Earnshaw says the Reds could be shaping up for "a cup final on the final day against Chelsea".

Nuno Espirito Santo's side are in sixth, two points behind Enzo Maresca's fifth-placed Blues, after Monday's 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace.

Forest host Leicester next weekend and then go to West Ham, before Chelsea visit the City Ground on 25 May. Meanwhile, the Blues travel to Newcastle and then face Manchester United at Stamford Bridge.

"Ideally, you want to probably get two wins before that and that would put big pressure on Chelsea," Earnshaw told BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast on Tuesday. "Then you might only need a draw because I think seven points will do it.

"That could be a cup final [against Chelsea at the City Ground] - whoever wins goes to the Champions League. On that final day, it could be an absolute cruncher of a game."

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Coincidentally, Forest played Chelsea in their final home game of last season, and it proved to be a humdinger.

The two sides were locked at 1-1 going into the final 15 minutes, before Callum Hudson-Odoi put the hosts ahead.

However, Chelsea countered with two goals in two minutes from Raheem Sterling and Nicolas Jackson to claim all three points in a 3-2 win.

Reds fans will be hoping history will not be repeated...

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We asked for your thoughts after Monday's Premier League game between Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest at Selhurst Park.

Here are some of your comments:

Palace fans

Gruff: A solid performance against a strong Forest team, but we should have taken all three points with some of the glorious chances at the end to score. Daniel Munoz was excellent in creating chances. Eberechi Eze and Ismaila Sarr were very creative and they look dangerous in attack. The back three was solid, but it was a very cheap goal to concede. Hopefully we get a win against Spurs to keep the momentum going into a big final!

Keith: Palace played really well but, for the umpteenth time this season, they failed to convert their xG superiority into actual goals. If matches were decided on xG, Palace would be in the top four.

Ken: Too many missed chances led to a draw. It should have been a comfortable win for Palace but the finishing was poor. Jean-Philippe Mateta was not in this match at all.

Hector: A good point from the boys. They deserved it after that performance against a very well-drilled Forest team. I can't wait for Wembley!

Steve: To be honest, Palace could and should have won the game. Forest created very little and their equaliser was a rather fortunate deflection. It was a poor goal for Palace to give away after just taking the lead. If they take their chances, Spurs away is a great opportunity for getting three more points closer to that 50-point target.

Forest fans

Lewis: It is, without doubt, 'squeaky bum time'. We have overperformed and are now sitting in a position where there is a general feeling that we should be doing better. That is a great place to be. The team looked galvanised against Palace, despite Callum Hudson-Odoi being out. Great to see Ibrahim Sangare playing well and Elliot Anderson looked sharp. I'm sure Murillo will pull through. Three huge games left, but three winnable games. Time to bring that top five spot home.

Yvonne: Forest need to keep focused for their last few games. They have not been good enough in recent weeks. It is a shame because they have worked so hard this season. Get back on it, lads, and make everyone proud. You can do it. The referee was shocking and yellow must be his favourite colour.

Ben: Another uncharacteristic Forest performance. They lacked the dynamism and cutting edge needed going forward to really trouble Palace, but credit must be given to a very organised and committed defensive display from Palace. Am I the only one who thinks Tyrick Mitchell was already going down after tripping on the ball, before he made contact with Matz Sels?

Mossy: Would have taken a draw before the game. We have got to beat Leicester on Sunday - and they would love to muck up our chances.

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Former Nottingham Forest striker Robert Earnshaw told BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast that while fans will be disappointed to see their side dropping down the table, he believes Champions League qualification is still in their hands.

"They are still sixth. There is only two points difference between [Forest and] Chelsea and Newcastle [in fifth and fourth, respectively].

"But when you have been in third for so long it is a little bit more disappointing when you see yourself start dropping and dropping.

"Two weeks ago they were probably nailed on and now they are in sixth, so it is very difficult.

"But I say it is in their hands because they have probably got the best fixtures out of the whole lot."

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Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo, speaking to BBC MOTD: "Let's think about the game. It was two halves, and in the first first we were very good. It was good for us that we achieved the goal so soon after the goal for Crystal Palace. That gave us belief to fight for the game. After last week, a good attitude.

"It's about finding ourselves again after the past three games. We defended better, it's so obvious, against a talented opponent in Palace.

"The final games will be nervous, tight games. Everyone is fighting for something and Selhurst Park is always a tough place to come.

"All the teams in this big fight will give it a go."

Did you know?

• No side has received more yellow cards in a Premier League game this season than Nottingham Forest's eight against Palace, and it is the most the Reds have received in a match in the competition.

Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo and Fulham manager Marco Silva are among the candidates being considered by Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal. (Talksport), external

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Emily Salley
BBC Sport journalist

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Results over the weekend left Nottingham Forest needing a win.

Not only would three points against Crystal Palace have pulled Nuno Espirito Santo's side back level with Newcastle and Chelsea, but it would have given the team some much-needed confidence after their recent poor run of form.

Instead, they were forced to settle for a draw by a Palace team who could have made them suffer further had Eddie Nketiah and Maxence Lacroix put away late chances.

Forest have picked up just one win in their last five Premier League games and their hopes of Champions League football next season has hit a stumbling block.

They are far from out, though. After Eberechi Eze's penalty, Forest showed spirit and Murillo's clever finish earned what could prove to be a vital point.

Forest fans will desperately hope the Brazilian, who limped off with an apparent hamstring problem, is fit for fixtures against already-relegated Leicester and 17th-placed West Ham.

Win those, and Forest should find themselves in a favourable position for a potential decider against Chelsea in their last game of the season.

Were you at the game or following from elsewhere?

Have your say on Crystal Palace's performance

What did you make of Nottingham Forest's display?

Come back to this page on Tuesday to find a selection of your replies.

Crystal Palace will be on a high after booking their place in the FA Cup final, so this is another very tricky game for Nottingham Forest, who slipped up at home against Brentford on Thursday.

Nuno Espirito Santo's side will have to be stubborn and resolute to get anything at Selhurst Park. They have shown that kind of character plenty of times already this season - but they really need it now.

Looking at the race for the top five, you feel like every team involved needs to win every game, but of course that is not going to happen, and I can see my boyhood team Forest dropping more points here.

I just hope it does not prove crucial for them.

Sutton's prediction: 1-1

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Manchester City plan to advance their interest in Morgan Gibbs-White by agreeing a deal with Nottingham Forest for the 25-year-old midfielder. (Fabrizio Romano), external

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