Saturday’s clash with West Ham United has been labeled a “must-win” game for Nottingham Forest as they target their first Premier League victory of 2024.
Head coach Nuno Espirito Santo was left with reason for encouragement as well as cause for concern after last weekend’s 3-2 defeat at home to Newcastle United. Scoring goals is not a problem for the Reds under the Portuguese, but keeping them out at the other end remains an issue.
“It is a must-win. With the points deduction hanging over our heads, we’re already relying on other teams to not win,” Max Scott said on NottinghamshireLive’s Garibaldi Red podcast this week.
Thank God West Ham got battered 6-0, because that’s difficult to come back from. I really hope they have taken a knock of confidence for the next few weeks so we can capitalize on it.”
Sarah Clapson added, “It’s a big game. It’s so crucial that Forest get a win.
I don’t really want to call it a must-win, but it really is important. Forest are yet to get a Premier League win in 2024. They haven’t had too many league games this year, but they still need to put that right.
“A win would really lift the mood. The table can also change quite a bit, even with just one victory. It would give Forest something to build on and work with ahead of a big run of games. It’s so important to get back to the City Ground being a fortress, like it was last season.”
The Reds could have Ola Aina, Willy Boly, and Ibrahim Sangare back in contention for Saturday. The trio will link back up with the squad this week after last weekend’s Africa Cup of Nations final, although it remains to be seen whether they could feature against the Hammers.
I hope Aina comes back in, because it looks like he had a really good tournament,” Scott said. “I know a place where he could slot straight back in, and that’s at left-back.
Boly wasn’t in the squad at all for the final, but it would be great if he could start. And then having Sangare back in the mix would be great, because it’s about time he had a consistent run of games without injury or silly suspensions. We’ve seen glimpses of him. He really needs to step up for us. Big-time player, big name player, Champions League player—let’s be having you, then. Let’s see what you can do.”
Leave a Reply