
Tottenham host Nottingham Forest under the lights on Monday night as the visitors look to keep their Champions League dreams alive. However, Spurs haven't lost any of their last four matches at home heading into this clash, and with Forest losing two in a row, it could be a difficult night for Nuno Santo's side.
The 2024/25 Premier League campaign hasn't been a memorable one for Spurs, who fell to a disappointing 4-2 defeat against Wolves last time out. They recovered from that result to beat Frankfurt in the Europa League quarter-finals, and perhaps this is where their focus will be for the remainder of the season.
They are now unbeaten in their last four at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium - but their two wins against AZ Alkmaar and Southampton aren't going to intimidate a Nottingham Forest side currently sat un 4th place. However, you do have to go back to 1997 the last time Forest beat Spurs in their own back yard.
Depending on how results fall, Forest could head into this fixture outside the top four for the first time in quite a while. Back-to-back defeats against Aston Villa and Everton has seen Newcastle leapfrog them into 3rd - while others in behind have closed the gap.
But Forest have defied the odds all season long. Currently, Santo's side have the 4th best away record in the Premier League, and having previously beaten Spurs in the reverse fixture, the Reds have what it takes to win in London on Monday night.
Santo will no doubt relish beating his former employers - especially considering what is at stake.
As mentioned, Forest beat Spurs (1-0) on Boxing Day - and although they have beaten the North London based club twice since their promotion, both of those wins were at the City Ground. Both of their trips south have finished 3-1 in favour of Spurs - a result Forest really can't afford as we approach the final six games of the season.
But despite Forest's consecutive defeats, they had previously won their last three. Only Newcastle, Wolves, Villa and Liverpool have better form from their last five matches. Spurs, on the other hand, have only picked up four points from their last five matches - as well as conceding 10 goals.
With Spurs continuing to fall short in the Premier League, and with Forest still aiming to secure a historic Champions League spot, it might pay to stick with the visitors to rally and return to winning ways on the road.
It's now or never for Nottingham Forest. The East Midlands club has performed miracles so far this season, but there's still six games to go and they must win at least two of those if they are to remain in the top four/five come the end of May.
A trip to London is often a tricky one - and one they haven't enjoyed since their return to the Premier League - but Spurs aren't their usual selves this season and that might just play into Forest's hands.
Admittedly, their defeat against Everton was disappointing - and their performance worse - but perhaps it was the reality check Santo's players needed as we head into the final games of the season.
On the road, Forest have thrived. Only Liverpool, Arsenal and Newcastle have picked up more points, with their counter attacking football and solid defensive structure at the heart of their success.
With Ange Postecoglou's team continuing to operate with their high press and back line, this could pan out perfectly for the likes of Callum Hudson-Odoi and Morgan Gibbs-White on the transition.
It won't be easy for Forest - but they've shown up when it has mattered this season - where the same can't be said for Spurs. Forest are priced at 17/10 to win but you can back them at 11/10 Draw No Bet with bet365 - and this seems to be a safer option.
Good luck if you're following.
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