Nottingham Forest

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When things start to go awry towards the end of the season, some players can let it affect them.

From a Nottingham Forest perspective, of all the teams that up there, they are probably the ones who have had to adjust their expectations the most as the season has progressed.

There may be some players who were more comfortable with the opening objectives of doing well in the league, not being involved in a relegation scrap and seeing how far up the table they can finish.

But now they are up against teams who at the start of the campaign built their squads around trying to qualify for Europe and the Champions League and with that comes a certain type of mentality.

Any recent slide Forest have had is all relative because, in the grand scheme of things, they have still had a very, very good season. While the toughness of this part of the season may affect one or two, in reality, it will always be led by the manager because he will be able to see who is being affected and who is not.

Dips in form happen to everyone, especially those teams that are fighting for Champions League places. Some have had really good times then indifferent spells. Everyone goes through it, but it is about how you get out the other side - having the right mentality, a healthy team and a bit of good fortune.

Whether it could be a blessing in disguise if Forest qualify for Europa League instead of Champions League is difficult to say.

Qualifying for the Champions League is something you always remember. The experience of it and then the financial benefits too. Maybe the Europa League would suit Forest in terms of having a better chance of winning it, but most players dream of playing in the Champions League.

And most clubs dream of having their club in the Champions League. If Forest can do that a year after being involved in a relegation dogfight, then I think they will do whatever they need to give themselves a chance of being competitive.

Being able to test yourself against the best in Europe is something I do not think any club would ever want to turn down.

Nedum Onuoha was speaking to BBC Sport's Nicola Pearson

Nottingham Forest remain in the fight for Champions League football but have spluttered in recent games.

We have heard plenty about Morgan Gibbs-White's form - and potential future - and the impact of the defensive stability this season.

But you know your club best so give us a peek behind the curtain. Let us know the one thing that no-one is talking about at Forest but really should be.

Tell us here

Nicola Pearson
BBC Sport journalist

For more than a decade, those watching from the stands and through screens have been led to believe that possession-based football is the holy grail when pursuing success.

With Barcelona's tiki-taka and the tactics brought to the Premier League by Pep Guardiola, more and more teams have prioritised this 'easy on the eye' style of play.

And while it is hard to argue with the success of the La Liga giants and Manchester City's recent trophy-laden years, it is not something that works for everyone.

A number of teams have fallen foul of this obsession to build up play from the back and keep-ball over counter-attack.

But, it is a mould Nottingham Forest have been trying to break this season.

The Reds sit sixth in the table and just two points off a Champions League spot - this despite having the second-lowest average possession in the league so far this campaign (39.97%).

From relegation candidates to European place contenders in less than 12 months, they have built this progress, not on possession, but on a solid defence and ability to be clinical on the counter-attack.

The East Midlands side are joint-fourth for goals conceded (42) and sit only one place and one fewer than newly crowned Premier League champions Liverpool for clean sheets (13).

There have been few occasions this term where Forest have been equal to or had more possession than their opponent.

Their draw at Crystal Palace on Monday night was one such occasion. Despite having more of the ball, they struggled to really create quality chances and, had Eberechi Eze's late effort dipped a couple of inches lower, they may have come away empty handed.

There have been 28 games in the league when Nuno Espirito Santo's side have had under 50% of the possession this season, of which they have gone on to win 15 - a win percentage of 54%.

In a much smaller sample size, there have been just seven occasions in which they have had 50% or more possession and from those they have won three games, giving them a win percentage of 43%.

While they understandably concede less per game when they have more of the ball (0.86 compared to 1.29), they do tend to score more when they have less possession (1.61 compared to 1.29 per game).

In fact, when looking at how they fared in the match they had least possession in this campaign, they scored three times in a win over Manchester United at Old Trafford.

In contrast, in the game where they had the ball the most - at home to Brentford - they succumbed to a 2-0 defeat.

When everyone else is trying to move more towards the possession-based grain, going against it could be what secures Forest European football for the first time in more than 40 years.

How do you feel about Forest's style of play?

Make your choice

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.

Find more from Pat Riddell at The Famous Club, external

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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."

• Not a Forest or Chelsea fan? Find and follow your team on BBC Sport here

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

Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

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

Want more transfer news? Read Monday's full gossip column

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Nottingham Forest's 2-0 defeat at home by Brentford left them outside the Champions League qualification spots, but would reaching an alternative European competition count as a success?

Forest fan Saveena Johal tells The Football News Show why they can still make the top five, and why a Europa League spot would not be a bad consolation.

Watch The Football News Show on BBC iPlayer

BBC Radio Nottingham's Colin Fray spoke on the latest Shut Up And Show More Football podcast about the reasons behind Nottingham Forest's recent poor form: "It's getting very nervy - you can tell that around the ground and in some of the performances. You're seeing players that have been absolutely outstanding all season now not reaching those levels. I think that's down to nerves.

"You look at some of the decision-making that has been going on on the pitch. You put it down to individual errors, but those individual errors haven't been happening over the course of the season so far. You start to wonder why they are happening now.

"Getting across the line, whatever the target you're aiming for, is always the most difficult time of a season. Nottingham Forest aren't used to challenging like this, certainly not in the Premier League. They haven't had too many promotion battles in all of those years either in the lower leagues.

"They are used to scrapping against teams who do slip up. Now they are finding themselves in battles with teams who don't.

"At the moment, I feel like we are being a bit left behind in that department."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

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Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo has given more detail on Callum Hudson-Odoi's latest injury, after the 24-year-old was substituted at half-time in Thursday's defeat by Brentford.

"He felt something. We have to assess how he is. We think it is his hamstring," Nuno said.

"This is our major concern first of all - try to solve the mistakes and correct them so we can compete better. At the same time, see if our players can hold on and keep going.

"From the FA Cup semi-final, there is a fitness issue in our players. Now we have to try to recover them and choose wisely so we can have as many as possible to compete in these next four games."

Defeat at the City Ground on Thursday was the club's fourth in five matches, but the Portuguese coach is determined to finish the season strongly in the push for Champions League football.

He added: "I'm not concerned about what's coming. I'm concerned about us - how can we compete against Crystal Palace? How can we be ourselves again? How can we be dominant even when we don't have the ball?

"But we don't give chances away because we have talent and speed. This has to be, and it is, my major concern."

Nottingham Forest have won nine away Premier League matches this season. They have only won 10 top-flight away matches in a season on three occasions - in 1977-78 (finished first), 1978-79 (second) and 1994-95 (third).

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We asked for your thoughts on Thursday's Premier League game between Nottingham Forest and Brentford.

Here are some of your comments:

Nottingham Forest fans:

Fosi: Yet another abysmal performance. No fight, no passion and no idea. Is our season over?

Freddy: Huge disappointment at the result. I'd hoped that bowing out of the FA Cup would galvanise the players, but the opposite seems to have happened. They looked tired and devoid of ideas. I just hope an easier run of games will get us over the line - Chelsea last game of the season seems huge now.

Ken: It's over I'm afraid. Those players are exhausted and have no more to give. It was like watching us two seasons ago. The very thing that has been our rock - defence - is falling apart at exactly the wrong time. Our failure to sign one or two strikers has well and truly scuppered us.

John: We're on a bad run at at a bad time. I don't care one way or the other about Europe, except that we've got some players I wouldn't want to lose to clubs who get there. We're good enough to put this right but we're running out of games.

Brentford fans:

Mel: Dare we dream about Europe? Yet another top performance against a top six team. Incredible team spirit and winning mentality continues to deliver exceptional performances. Our run in looks favourable when compared to others, and a result against Manchester United keeps a European dream alive.

Tim: The Bees showing their teeth and battling for the points was a pleasant surprise. Michael Kayode blunted Forest's game plan by matching them for pace. Great to see Kevin Schade poke that ball home, the guy needs a bit of confidence to bring out his best.

David: Brentford controlled the game and executed their chances with confidence and precision. The travelling fans must have been planning their European tour on the way home. Another masterclass from Thomas Frank.

Josh: We are making a last minute surge for Europe. We couldn't do it could we? Don't stop believing!

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Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo on whether his side are feeling the pressure of pursuing a Champions League spot after defeat against Brentford: "We don't see it but we feel it.

"The explanation for that we have to find in ourselves. But I don't see (pressure), I see belief, desire and commitment.

"But the reality is we are struggling in some aspects of our game - focus and determination to be practical and solve the situations that are simple to solve.

"(To get back to ourselves) is the basic option we have. We don't have to change, we have to go back and find our version.

"We have been clear and spoken many times about how we play. Our basic is being compact and solid, we don't give away chances.

"We are a team that always covers, so our opponents have to do much more to achieve what they achieved today. With all respects to Brentford, it was too easy.

"We have been talking about how we are as a team and defensively we don't allow too many situations.

"We have had a lot of clean sheets. This is the basic pillar we have, but today it was the other way around.

"We credit Brentford, but I believe with a better approach we could have solved the situations."