With the Premier League likely to receive five spots in next season's Champions League, former Liverpool and England defender Stephen Warnock tells The Football News Show why this could represent the best chance for a generation for Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth to realise their unlikely European ambitions.
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Image source, Getty ImagesNikola Milenkovic has said the togetherness within the Nottingham Forest squad has been a key reason for the team's successful 2024-25 campaign to date.
Milenkovic, 27, has started 24 of Forest's 25 Premier League games this season after joining from Fiorentina last summer.
Forest are third in the table with 13 games left, raising hopes of qualification for European competition next season.
"Our strength is the group," Serbia centre-back Milenkovic told BBC Radio Nottingham. "We are so solid, it's a great atmosphere and we have great chemistry in the group.
"Everyone who goes on the pitch gives 101%. Eleven players play defensively and 11 players play offensively. Everything we do, we do it together on the pitch."
Their next three league games are against Newcastle, Arsenal and Manchester City - all sides alongside them in the top seven.
Asked about it being an exciting time to be at Forest, Milenkovic added: "We will try to do our best for our incredible fans, who give us very big support playing home or playing away.
"They really support us, we really feel it and we will try to repay that on the pitch and make them happy."
George Booth
BBC Sport journalist
Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game at Newcastle (kick-off 14:00 GMT).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Forward Taiwo Awoniyi is available to play after suffering a broken nose in the FA Cup victory over Exeter. Nuno said: "Yes, yes, it is clear on the concussion protocol. So, he is available. He will have to wear a mask, but he is a available."
On facing Newcastle: "There is no secret in football. We face a good team and a good manager [Eddie Howe] - a manager who has good players that perform very well. We have to fight and show our talent."
On Alexander Isak: "Very good player, but like I said, the squad of Newcastle is very strong in all the positions."
Nuno said Forest must be better "all over the place" after being beaten 2-1 last weekend at Fulham. "We have to compete better. That's what we will be trying to do. We are reaching the moment of the season that everyone will be fighting for their own objectives," he added.
On midfielder Elliot Anderson, who will face his old team: "He is one of our midfielders who is versatile enough to change positions. He is doing well, but I hope he performs better on Sunday. He has a long way [to go]. He is very young and he is very talented, but there are so many details to improve. You can see that he is doing well."
On Forest's season so far: "We have competed well and this is what we expect in the final stage of the season. The games will be more difficult and we have to deal with everything that's all around - the expectations, our own beliefs and moments of the players."
Although Nottingham Forest's strong form has slowed down, Nuno said: "I don't change my approach. We have to keep the same routine and approach it day by day - look at all the details which enable us to compete well. This is what we're focused on."
On Forest's league position: "We are OK. We are in a good position. We are enjoying ourselves, realising every game is difficult. This is where we are. We are trying to compete till the end and do it well, but always believing that we're in a good position. We have a healthy squad and we have solutions."
For all of Friday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news
Listen to Newcastle v Nottingham Forest on BBC Radio 5 Live at 14:00 on Sunday
Image source, Getty ImagesFormer Nottingham Forest defender Brian Laws, speaking on BBC Radio Nottingham's Shut Up And Show More Football podcast: "This season has been remarkable to say the least. It has been brilliant. It has been well deserved and it has not been a fluke.
"Now we want it to continue because we're starting to feel the vibes that there is potential for Europe."
Forest are third in the Premier League after 25 games, three points clear of reigning champions Manchester City in fourth.
On Forest's next three league games, Laws said: "They [Newcastle, Arsenal and Manchester City] are three daunting teams, aren't they? Normally, we would be looking at this run and thinking: 'Where are we going to get points from?'
"Actually, we are going into these three games and do we fear these teams? No. We're in a strong position."
Image source, Getty ImagesFormer Nottingham Forest defender James Perch, speaking on BBC Radio Nottingham's Shut Up and Show More Football podcast about Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson: "I love him as a player. He can collect the ball from the back four and drive through the midfield, and create or look to shoot himself. He is like an old-school box-to-box midfielder who can do anything.
"He can play in the 10 position and link up with the striker, but he can also do the defensive work, he can pick up the ball from the back line and dictate play from there."
Since moving to Forest from Newcastle last summer, Anderson has made 20 Premier League starts, scored one goal and registered five assists.
Asked if Anderson could break into the England squad, Perch added: "Yes I think so, if he adds goals to his game, I think he's a top, top midfielder and one of the best English players in that position.
"He knows the more he keeps performing at the level he is now, he will be getting that call-up for England."
Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds
A new episode of BBC Radio Nottingham's Shut Up And Show More Football podcast is available to download and listen to on BBC Sounds.
Elliot Anderson talks to Colin Fray about the season so far, plus hear from former Forest defender James Perch on why he thinks the midfielder will play for England.
Former Reds defender Brian Laws also joins the podcast to give his predictions for the rest of the campaign.
Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds
Image source, Getty ImagesThe City Ground is set to host England in a friendly against Senegal in June - the first time a men's senior match has been played at the stadium in 84 years.
The last time England visited Nottingham Forest's ground was a wartime friendly against Wales in 1941 - a game won 4-1 by the Three Lions. The last time a competitive England match was held there was in 1909, also against Wales.
"While I know Wembley is our home, I also understand the importance of taking the team around the country when we are able to and the opportunity to experience playing at a famous old English stadium, such as the City Ground, is one we can all look forward to," said new England boss Thomas Tuchel.
Image source, Getty ImagesAmong all players to have 50 or more shots while playing for a manager on record since 2003-04, Chris Wood under Nuno Espirito Santo has the best shot conversion rate (35%, 29 goals from 83 shots).
Pat Riddell
Fan writer
Image source, Getty ImagesIt is the business end of the season. We do not know if the next three Premier League games will define Nottingham Forest's season or not, but Newcastle, Arsenal and Manchester City are the three clubs around us in the table who really threaten our position in the top four.
Having started off the season thinking a comfortable, mid-table finish would be satisfying - avoiding a relegation battle the minimum target - the Reds have been in the top three for so long now that anything less than a place in Europe will be disappointing.
Except, we have to be prepared for disappointment... or do we? The complicated Uefa coefficient means England are quite likely to gain a fifth Champions League place next season, meaning eight clubs could qualify for European competition in 2025-26.
These sorts of permutations are, obviously, a long way from Nuno Espirito Santo's mind as Forest focus on the job in hand. Losing 2-1 at Fulham was not the ideal follow-up to thrashing Brighton 7-0. But then Brighton beating Chelsea 3-0 at the weekend was hardly predicted either.
The Premier League has occasional seasons where almost anything can happen, and when these kinds of ups and downs occur it can often be in Forest's favour. At the moment, keeping our core squad fit and maintaining the mentality, momentum and belief is all important.
The fans can be thinking as far ahead as we like - and there is no doubt we all have - but Nuno is always focused on the immediate.
The back five worked against Brighton to great effect in the absence of Callum Hudson-Odoi, but backfired miserably against Fulham.
Hopefully we have our first-choice XI fit for the next three games and beyond, and the permutations will be left for other clubs to ponder.
Find more from Pat Riddell at The Famous Club, external
Image source, Getty ImagesWe asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Fulham and Nottingham Forest.
Here are some of your comments:
Fulham fans:
Bill: A very classy performance from everyone, and nice to do the double over Forest. Wonderful cameo from Willian!
Michael: I consider it one of the team's best performances of the year.. As an old Fulham fan, it is a delight to watch this - let's be happy! Please keep hold of Marco Silva. We are on the brink of something special over the next few years.
Derek: Overall we were excellent. Built from a platform in midfield by Sander Berge and the excellent Sasa Lukic. His contribution often goes unnoticed other than the regular yellow cards, but he was immense.
Wayland: The whole team stepped up to another level, Adama Traore was superb. We should have been out of sight but the Forest keeper was their best player to somehow keep it to 2-1.
Forest fans:
Fraser: Difficult away at Craven Cottage. Onwards and upwards for the mighty Reds. Tough games coming with Arsenal and Manchester City to play in next few games. We're still defying the odds!
John: We got what we deserved. Disappointed as we lost the midfield and created very few chances - Chris Wood doing it all on his own to equalise. Matz Sels was fantastic again, keeping us in it till the end. They always looked like scoring, not us.
Oliver: From start to finish Forest were not clinical enough and their goal was dodgy as Calvin Bassey slipped. They were too laid back and let Fulham cut right through their defence, play the ball out wide and cross it in. This led to them conceding easy headers. Forest didn't have the composure that Fulham had and this ultimately lead to a shocking performance and a brutal defeat.
Mike: Credit to Fulham, they played well. But Forest gave this game to them. Tactically, the manager got it wrong and the team spent most of the game playing like they were just trying to hang on. The players looked lethargic and devoid of inspiration. Maybe they should have spent their break in Skegness instead of Dubai?
Highlights and analysis from Saturday's seven Premier League fixtures, plus the best of the action from Friday's game between Brighton and Chelsea.
If you missed Match of the Day, you can catch up now on BBC iPlayer.
Listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:
Timothy Abraham
BBC Sport Journalist
Image source, Getty ImagesFor the majority of Nottingham Forest's defeat to Fulham, the visitors struggled.
At times Nuno Espirito Santo's side looked lethargic, lacking in ideas and a little leaky at the back.
Goalkeeper Matz Sels had another superb performance between the sticks for Forest and had it not been for him the margin of defeat would undoubtedly have been a lot greater.
Nuno's decision to play five at the back meant Forest were inviting Fulham on to them from the outset as they just looked to hang in the game.
Chris Wood equalised with the only time he touched the ball in the box during the first 45 minutes, and it was very much against the run of play.
It was a slightly curious approach for a team who had spanked seven goals past Brighton in their last Premier League game.
When Nuno introduced Callum Hudson-Odoi, and Forest switched to four at the back, they looked a completely different side.
There was an immediate energy and urgency to their play, which begs the question why did Nuno play it so safe in the first place?
Image source, Getty ImagesForest boss Nuno Espirito Santo, has been speaking to BBC Match Of The Day after today's loss: "It was a competitive game. We tried to the end but it was not possible [to equalise again]. They played good and won the game so we have to learn and go again.
"Chris Wood made his goal by himself, and that gave us hope for the second half. I think we started the second half well but a couple of set-pieces put us down. Then it was about reacting and the boys tried hard until the end. Now we have to go to the next one. Of course this is the time of the season when we have to go stronger."
Were you at the game or following from elsewhere?
Have your say on Fulham's performance
What did you make of Nottingham Forest's display?
Come back to this page on Monday to find a selection of your replies
Seven matches make up Saturday's Premier League action and BBC Sport will bring you every kick.
Leicester City v Arsenal (12:30)
Aston Villa v Ipswich Town
Fulham v Nottingham Forest
Man City v Newcastle - BBC Radio 5 Live commentary
Southampton v Bournemouth
West Ham v Brentford
Crystal Palace v Everton (17:30) - BBC Radio 5 Live commentary
All kick-off times 15:00 GMT unless stated
For the first couple of months of the season I was talking about how good Fulham are at home - I obviously put the mockers on them because they have not won any of their past five league matches at Craven Cottage.
Nottingham Forest, who needed penalties to get past Exeter in the FA Cup on Tuesday, have got an excellent away record and Liverpool are the only top-flight team to have picked up more points than them on the road this season.
This is hard to call, though, because we know Fulham can turn it on, and they are a hard team to predict.
They won at the City Ground earlier in the season but this time I am going with my club, Forest, to get a point and continue their push for the top four.
Sutton's prediction: 1-1
Image source, Getty ImagesBBC Sport pundit and former Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha has been answering your questions on your club.
Dave asked: Nottingham Forest tried to sign a striker as back-up for Chris Wood in the January transfer window, so who do you think they should go for in the summer if they do qualify for Europe?
Nedum replied: If Forest are going to make the step up to playing European football, quite possibly even Champions League football, then they don't want to sign someone who is going to change the fundamental style of the team.
Chris Wood works hard and he has made sure he is in the right place at the right time this season, so that he complements the players around him.
So if we are looking at who they could sign, then it needs to be someone who is patient like Wood and who understands the team's link-up play. I am not sure who exactly they may sign or approach in the summer.
It is also key to look at whether they are signing someone as just a back-up - because which players will be entirely happy with that role? It might be that they bring in a younger player with significant promise rather than a prominent player who will want game time and especially minutes in Europe.
I wish I could give a name of who that might be but I can't. The one thing I will say is that Forest's recruitment has been pretty solid in recent windows, so I am sure they have someone lined up.
Nedum Onuoha was speaking to BBC Sport's Katie Stafford
Image source, Getty ImagesScotland Under-17s goalkeeper Alastair Graham has moved from Dundee to English Premier League side Nottingham Forest for an undisclosed fee.
Graham had been for trial spells at Newcastle, Southampton, and Arsenal before opting for Forest.
The 16-year-old almost moved to the Champions League chasers last summer as part of a swap deal with Aaron Donnelly, who ended up joining the Dark Blues last month.
Graham played for Dundee's Under-18s and reserves but never made a first-team appearance having come through SFA performance school St John's Academy.
He is the second Dundee youngster to leave for the English top flight this season after Seb Lochhead moved to Wolves last summer.
Image source, Getty ImagesFulham have won four of their five Premier League games against Nottingham Forest, including both meetings at Craven Cottage, racking up an aggregate score of 7-0.
Nottingham Forest have benefitted from more errors that have led to a goal than any other side in the Premier League this season (13), while only Arsenal (zero) have made fewer errors leading to a goal than Nuno Espirito Santo's side (two).
Image source, Getty ImagesFormer Forest midfielder Steve Hodge believes Nuno Espirito Santo and his players will "feel the benefits down the line" from their mid-season warm-weather training trip to Dubai.
Hodge was part of regular mid-season trips while playing for Forest in the 1980s under Brian Clough but joked on the latest episode of Shut Up and Show More Football: "We didn't see a football pitch - we just saw a bar!".
Nuno said the trip helped develop a "tight bond" between his squad as they prepare for a crucial stage of the season in their bid to qualify for European football.
"The players have been around Nottingham, the City Ground, and have been travelling on coaches to games for the past seven, eight months," Hodge told BBC Radio Nottingham.
"There is a monotony about it. It's a great life but there is that sameness every trip, on the same bus with the same routine so it's good to get out in the sunshine.
"We haven't seen the sun here for a few months so everyone wants to get in that and feel that on your back and get in the swimming pool. You lose that mental pressure of having to perform and be at it every game.
"As great as we have been this season and how much the players have loved it, there is still pressure and that will ramp up now we're in that top four or five and there is a chance for Europe.
"You do feel the benefits down the line - when the going gets tough you still feel pretty fresh. Mentally, you just feel you have more to give as the season progresses.
"It always worked for us. We loved it. The only conversation we had after getting knocked out of the FA Cup early was knowing we'd be in Cala Millor in 48 hours.
"It was not quite Dubai - the guys go out there, they're training every day and they're super fit. We didn't see a football pitch - we just saw a bar!"
