Nottingham Forest

Colin Fray
BBC Radio Nottingham reporter

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In the second part of our special Q&A with BBC Radio Nottingham's Colin Fray, we consider what impact European qualification would have on Forest.

Simon asked: Will qualifying for Europe, and in particular clinching a coveted Champions League spot, help to completely remove any future concerns about having to sell a star player to comply with PSR rules?

Colin answered: It will certainly help... but I wouldn't say it would remove the threat all together.

More money would be coming into the club - significantly more if Forest were able to hang on to a Champions League spot. But the squad would also need significant investment to become strong and deep enough to cope with the extra games and travelling, and to avoid a slump in domestic form while playing in Europe. So, more income, but more outgoings too.

• Not a Forest fan? Find and follow your club here

Jill asked: When we were successful in Europe in the late 1970s (yes I remember it well), there were fewer games played to reach the European Cup final. Do you think when Forest play in one of the European tournaments next season, they risk performing poorly in the Premier League because of the small squad? They seem to struggle when there is more than one game a week.

Colin: There's a general feeling in football that qualification for European football, while a massive incentive and achievement, does bring with it the potentially major pitfall of having a negative impact on the domestic season.

I think there's little doubt that if Forest DO qualify for Europe, Nuno Espirito will be looking to add strength and depth to his squad to help them try to mitigate that potential danger.

Come back later on Thursday for the third part of our Q&A where Colin takes a deeper look at the current Forest tactics

Listen to full commentary on every Forest game, and In The Game every weeknight from 18:00, on BBC Radio Nottingham.

And subscribe to the Shut Up And Show More Football podcast on BBC Sounds.

Colin Fray
BBC Radio Nottingham reporter

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In the first part of our Q&A with BBC Radio Nottingham's Colin Fray, we take a look at Forest's recent form.

Dave asked: While this season has been magnificent so far, to what do you attribute the recent dip in form? Tiredness, quality of opposition, squad depth... ?

Colin: Completely agree with the use of the adjective "magnificent" to describe the season so far. The relative dip in form has to be taken in the context of how outstandingly good Forest were in their December and January run.

To continue to perform at that level, in the Premier League, in every game, was probably unrealistic.

When you factor in the opponents Forest have faced recently - most of whom gave them problems in the first half of the season, too (Bournemouth, Fulham, Newcastle, Arsenal), you can understand why there may have been a dip. That said, they are still third and unbeaten at the City Ground since November.

Return later on Friday for the second part of our Q&A looking at the race for Europe and how it could affect Forest's need to comply with PSR.

• Not a Forest fan? Find and follow your club here

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I know Morgan Gibbs-White has been in the England squad before, but I just don't think he's been given the exposure he deserves.

He's another player at Forest whose form has been excellent.

I know we have got lots of 10s and we can argue Jude Bellingham, Cole Palmer or Phil Foden should be in there, but I think Gibbs-White is different to them. He can get goals and assists but he also works hard and is playing in a team where you have to be an eight out of 10 every week in order to be in the position they are in.

He hasn't got players around him to carry him so I think you really see his quality and he shines. You can see the difference when he is on the ball in that Forest team.

He has been selected before but not really given an opportunity to show what he can do.

I don't think Foden has been playing performing well for England. If you're going off form this season and consistency, Gibbs-White has to be in there.

I'm sure he will be selected but now it's about whether he has the chance to play and show how he can perform with better players around him.

Fara Williams was speaking to BBC Sport's Nat Hayward

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.

Colin Fray and David Jackson discuss Forest's perfect penalties against Ipswich Town as they booked their place in the FA Cup quarter-finals.

They also look at how to deal with Pep Guardiola before Manchester City visit on Saturday.

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Josh Lobley
BBC Sport journalist

Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo has been speaking to the media before Satruday's Premier League game against Manchester City (kick-off 12:30).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Nuno was non-committal about the fitness of his squad: "They are still recovering [from Monday's match], but they are better. We are still recovering and assessing players."

• The visit of champions Manchester City will not affect how his side prepare for this game: "Nothing changes. We have to realise that we are playing a very good team who have a coach that has a big impact on the game. But it's the same approach."

• After his impressive performance for Liverpool on Wednesday, Nuno was asked if Alisson is the best goalkeeper in the world: "For me, it's Matz Sels!"

• He was asked to unpack the improvement in Sels' game this season: "It's his confidence and the help of the team - we are more solid and compact. There is a big improvement in our defensive shape and that reflects on Matz. He is able to give us confidence and is always there to give us a hand when needed."

• On Forest's form at the City Ground: "Some players enjoy playing there so much and that reflects on the performance of the team. More than anything, it is the fans and the help that they give us and the noise they make when the opponents are on the ball. It is huge for us to play here."

Follow all of Thursday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

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As Thomas Tuchel approaches his first England squad, I'm wondering who may make an appearance from the slightly less obvious candidates.

Elliot Anderson has had an unbelievable season. I think he's been the signing of the season. People have spoken about him enough.

The work he does in that midfield for Nottingham Forest goes a little bit under the radar because we speak about how good they are on transition and on counter-attacks and how good Chris Wood and the wide players have been.

I think the work Anderson does centrally for Forest allows that to happen. The work-rate is phenomenal and I think he offers something different to what England have currently.

He reads the game really well. He's similar to Declan Rice in terms of that and breaking up the play but I actually think he plays forward a lot more. He's somebody I would be excited to see alongside Rice to give him more license to go forward.

In terms of his interceptions and playing forward early this season, he's somebody I don't think England have had.

He reads the game really well, works tremendously hard and in those transitions he sees those passes and starts counter-attacks from deeper positions which is something we have lacked in recent years.

I would like to see him selected in this next England squad. I think he has been the signing of the season, not spoken about enough, and deserves it.

Fara Williams was speaking to BBC Sport's Nat Hayward

Image source, Getty Images

Nottingham Forest are winless in their past nine league games against Manchester City (D2 L7), since a 3-2 win at Maine Road in the second tier in December 1997.

Since the start of November, this is Manchester City's eighth Premier League game starting the day in the top four of the table. They have taken just one point from the previous seven in this run, conceding at least twice in each (19 in total).

From the penalty shootout victory over Ipswich in the FA Cup to reach the quarter-finals, to ambitions of a top-four finish in the Premier League, there is plenty to talk about at the City Ground.

So, we are opening the floor for you to put your questions to BBC Radio Nottingham's Colin Fray.

Submit your questions here

And come back later this week to see his answers

Pat Riddell
Fan writer

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A Nottingham Forest goalkeeping legend was anointed three years ago when Brice Samba sent the Reds through to the Championship play-off final in a penalty shootout.

That mantle is now passed to Matz Sels, who saw Forest into the FA Cup quarter-finals on Monday with the winning penalty save against Ipswich Town.

Admittedly, it is not the actual FA Cup final. But there is just one game separating the remaining eight clubs and a semi-final at Wembley. It is another remarkable step in the Reds' incredible journey this year - their eyes now on the business end of the campaign.

• Not a Nottingham Forest fan? Find and follow your team here

Sels has been all-important to Nuno Espirito Santo's team this season. The Belgian keeper appeared to be a stop-gap replacement just over a year ago when he arrived from Strasbourg, but he has been at the heart of the club's success ever since.

With 11 clean sheets in the Premier League - more than any other keeper - he, like most of this Forest side, is having the season of his life. His save percentage, goals prevented and almost every stat going is in the top three in the division, only bettered by Alisson and David Raya at the top two clubs.

Nuno, a former keeper himself, has been able to build on the foundations that already existed on Trentside, but taken them to a level few imagined.

Nobody wanted another FA Cup tie with extra time and penalties but the euphoria a cup run brings is worth the momentum alone.

Forest's last FA Cup quarter-final was in that same promotion-winning season, ending in a narrow 1-0 defeat by Liverpool. Can the Reds go one step further?

Another raucous atmosphere at the City Ground on Saturday against Manchester City could lift them even higher, with the bond between players, manager and fans clearly evident in Monday's post-match celebrations.

Find more from Pat Riddell at The Famous Club, external

Nick Mashiter
BBC Sport football news reporter

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There is little point of whispering it quietly any more. Nottingham Forest are on the brink of something extraordinary.

Into the FA Cup quarter-finals to play Brighton after Monday's shootout victory over Ipswich and third in the Premier League, their dream season continues.

It comes just a year after being docked four points for breaching profit and sustainability rules and falling into the bottom three.

Like Leicester's historic Premier League title win nine years ago everything appears to be in perfect harmony; a squad in sync with a manager who has tapped into the heart of their talent and personalities.

The spirit and unity was evident at the City Ground on Monday during the penalty shootout, with Morgan Gibbs-White giving Matz Sels an encouraging fist bump after scoring Forest's second spot-kick.

That is not for show. The togetherness has been evident all season.

Last month at the training ground, when the players were set a social media task to spin an American football for as long as possible several, including Gibbs-White, hung around to play a game of catch with each other.

It was clear those close alliances helped Forest over the line against Ipswich and could produce something special in the final few weeks of the season.

We asked for your views on the FA Cup fifth-round tie between Nottingham Forest and Ipswich.

Here are some of your comments:

Nottingham Forest fans:

Rob: It is all about progressing to the next round, doesn't matter how you get there! Ryan Yates epitomised everything about Forest - grit and determination. Suspect he may have impressed a watching England manager...

Nathan: Ipswich made it hard for us and were tough to break down, but we did well to get the equaliser and thought we looked most likely as the game went on. Solid all round and the result is all that matters. Wary of Brighton's reaction after the 7-0.

Adam: I'm glad that we're through to the quarter-finals but we sure made it harder than it needed to be. We were the better team throughout the game but just could not finish our chances. It was a decent game of football but just frustrating as a Forest fan to watch.

Fosi: We have not played well for six matches now, defence not quite as solid and attack lacks penetration. Think we need better quality back up players, and slightly bigger squad to cope with all the games. Overall good fighting display.

Ipswich fans:

Robert: Scrappy game, but what I don't understand is why clubs (not just Ipswich but Forest and Manchester United) field weakened teams from the start. Surely the prospect of taking your loyal fans to Wembley in a final is worth playing the best XI?

James: Small margins again. We took a good side in Forest to 120 minutes. It is a shame to lose but the bigger focus was always the league. Full effort and attention now needed for a crucial part of the season.

Matt: We defended well but offered little attacking threat. Lots of passing backwards demonstrated a lack of confidence. Improved in extra time but we were always going to lose when it came to penalties - it was just a question who would miss. Need to win matches to stay up now - which I cannot see happening.

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Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo, speaking to BBC Sport: "I'm really happy. We have so many hopes and in the FA Cup we want to go as far as we can. On penalties, the emotions are always high.

"We proceed in our journey together. We are delighted for them. It's a good moment and it's important for the club to give it a real go. Now we have to focus on the Premier League but the FA Cup is always going to be on our mind."

On it going to penalties: "In every FA Cup draw we have to practise penalties and we kept the same order as Exeter. We did really well and they were good penalties.

"I believe it makes part of the game preparations, the same time as the goalkeeper is to practise and get as much info as possible. It's dedication.

"It's not nice at all - anxiety, nervous, mix or emotions. I try not to watch and just wait for the noise!

"It was huge for us [Matz Sels' save]. The players did their jobs well, they were good penalties and Matz [Sels] - amazing for us."

Did you know?

• Winger Anthony Elanga made 20 crosses in this match, the most by a Premier League player in any match this season.

Were you at the game or following from elsewhere?

What did you make of the display, Nottingham Forest fans?

Ipswich fans - tell us your thoughts here

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

Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna made 11 changes when his side beat Coventry in round four and I suspect he will do something similar here.

You might have heard about 'Sutton's Super Computer', which were the calculations I did for the Monday Night Club this week, where I worked out the results of all the remaining Premier League fixtures.

According to my secret formula, which is obviously extremely scientific, the Tractor Boys only have an outside chance of staying up. Along with Leicester, they were in my 'no-hopers' category.

Maybe Ipswich can surprise me and go on an FA Cup run, but you have to fancy Nottingham Forest here.

Defeat would just leave a grim fight against relegation for McKenna's side, so I feel for my daughter's teacher, Mr Fields, who regular readers will know follows the Tractor Boys, but not so much for my 5 Live colleague Ali Bruce-Ball, who is a phony Ipswich supporter - when I asked him, he could not remember the last time he went to watch them as a fan.

One thing I really can't stand are people like Bruce who attach themselves to a club which has a bit of success, claiming some tenuous link from the past.

My boyhood team, Forest, may make changes too because they are still in a good position for a Champions League spot, but I am backing Chris Wood to come off the bench and get us a winner.

Sutton's prediction: 2-1 after extra time

Listen to live commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live.

Read the full predictions and have your say here

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Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo says he will need all of his squad between now and the end of the season if they are to qualify for Europe.

Forest remain third in the Premier League but are being chased down by reigning champions Manchester City and Chelsea in fifth.

"We are going to need all of the players," said Nuno. "Nobody should disconnect and we try to make sure that everybody is involved.

"There's no other way. Players must be patient, responsible and respectful for who's playing."

That includes Monday's FA Cup fifth-round tie at home against Ipswich Town, in which Matz Sels is expected to return to the matchday line-up following Carlos Miguel's injury.

Experienced goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey is not "the best decision" added Nuno.

"I think Matz should start again. It's very difficult for a goalkeeper to come into the team. Wayne [Hennessey] is doing a fantastic job but he got injured last season so it's about getting him back."

Following Monday's game, Forest host Manchester City in an encounter which could have big consequences in the battle for Champions League qualification.

Nottingham Forest will compete with Everton and Newcastle to sign Brazilian winger Luis Henrique, 23, from Marseille this summer. (Football Insider), external

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

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

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This is the fourth FA Cup tie between Nottingham Forest and Ipswich. The Tractor Boys progressed via a replay in 1980-81, while Forest have won the past two meetings 3-0 (January 1989 and January 1997).

Ipswich have been eliminated from their past 13 FA Cup ties against Premier League opponents, since beating Blackburn Rovers in the third round in 1995-96.

The draw for the FA Cup quarter-finals has been made. Here are the four ties in the order they were drawn.

Games will be played over the final weekend of March.

• Fulham v Crystal Palace

• Preston v Aston Villa

• Bournemouth v Manchester City

• Brighton v Nottingham Forest/Ipswich

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The road to Wembley continues this weekend, as teams battle it out to book their spot in the FA Cup quarter-finals.

There is still lots of Premier League interest in the competition, with 11 top-flight teams all dreaming of a trip to Wembley. Aston Villa are already in the hat for the last eight after victory over Cardiff City on Friday.

The draw will take place on BBC One after Sunday's tie between Manchester United and Fulham at Old Trafford, which kicks off at 16:30 GMT and features Danny Murphy, Micah Richards and Wayne Rooney in the studio with host Gary Lineker.

If you're wondering how to follow the remaining fifth-round ties, find all the information you need here.

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Earlier, we asked how well you remembered Nottingham Forest's opening Premier League game of the season.

The match against Bournemouth ended in a 1-1 draw, with Antoine Semenyo cancelling out Chris Wood's opener for Forest.

Craig Nelson
BBC Sport Journalist

Nuno Espirito Santo has been speaking to the media before Monday's FA Cup fifth-round tie at home to Ipswich Town (kick-off 19:30 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• On team news, Nuno said there are "some" players who are a cause for concern but would not elaborate.

• He adds there was "a lot of contacts" in Wednesday's goalless draw at home to Arsenal and his full squad would be assessed for injuries today.

• On whether the FA Cup represents an opportunity for players not considered a regular first-team starter: "Everybody is first team - there is no difference between players. It's always the approach for each game to see what is best and to assess - to see how the players are, to look at your opponent and try to make the good decision."

• On the challenge posed by Ipswich: "Ipswich are a good team. They have energy. They have good players and they are very intense so the expectations are for a very tough match."

• Nuno dismissed any suggestion Forest are favourites against their relegation-threatened opponents: "There are no favourites in a football match. There are two teams that go against each other in a fair way."

• On whether the mentality changes against a side struggling in the league: "Not at all. Totally the opposite. Just look at the data and you will see there is no difference in the games. There is no belief that players run more based on their opponent. It is not about that."

• On whether he advocates the use of sports psychologists to help with mental health: "Of course. All the help is needed, and it's welcome."

• A final word on the importance of the FA Cup: "It is the most important because it is the next game."

Follow all of Friday's FA Cup news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

Listen to full commentary of Forest v Ipswich from 19:30 GMT on Monday on BBC Radio 5 Live