Tottenham vs Nottingham Forest Preview

• Draw or Forest win
• Over 2.5 goals

Spurs’ European escape offers a lifeline

Tottenham’s frustrating domestic season was handed a lifeline on Thursday as a 1-0 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt confirmed their place in the UEFA Europa League semi-finals. That result not only boosted their continental aspirations but also offered under-fire manager Ange Postecoglou some respite. With Spurs floundering in the bottom half of the Premier League, their European campaign could now determine the Australian’s future in north London.

Any aspirations of gaining late-season momentum must overcome a stark reality – Tottenham have struggled mightily against higher-ranked opponents this term. They’ve lost 16 of their last 20 league games against sides starting the day in the top half (W3, D1), including a 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest in December. It highlights the importance of fixing their league form, especially with daunting games against Forest and Liverpool lying in wait before their European semi-final.

Forest still dreaming of elite European nights

Nottingham Forest’s Champions League dream remains very much alive, thanks in part to Arsenal’s triumph over Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League, which has ensured that a fifth-place finish in the Premier League now grants access to Europe’s premier competition. Nuno Espírito Santo’s men have work to do to hold onto that spot, though, particularly after back-to-back league defeats to Everton and Aston Villa.

Those losses were uncharacteristic blips in what has been a largely excellent season, and Nuno welcomed the rare luxury of a full week on the training pitch in preparation for this clash. Fresh legs and tactical clarity may make all the difference, especially considering Forest’s sparkling record against teams in the lower half. They’ve won all seven of their away games this season against sides starting the round in the bottom half, with five of those victories coming by a margin of two or more goals.

Home worries for Spurs

Tottenham’s league campaign has been consistently undermined by poor form against well-organised sides like Forest. Defensive frailties and inconsistency in front of goal continue to hamper their efforts, and even their home advantage has not provided the typical comfort. They’ve kept just one clean sheet in their last ten home league matches, with defeats to Leicester, Ipswich, and Chelsea at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium already this year.

Postecoglou’s challenge now lies in balancing squad rotation for the Europa League with the desperate need for league results. With pressure mounting and fans restless, another poor result could further intensify the scrutiny around the Australian’s long-term future.

Players to watch

Mathys Tel (Tottenham)

The teenage forward has emerged as one of Spurs’ bright sparks in recent weeks.

If he finds the net again, he’ll become the first teenager in Tottenham’s history to score in three consecutive Premier League matches.

Jota Silva (Nottingham Forest)

The Portuguese winger has been a revelation in Forest’s attacking setup, scoring in each of their last two Premier League away games.

Notably, both goals arrived in the second half, highlighting his impact when the game opens up.

Hot streak

Nottingham Forest are unbeaten in their last 16 top-flight fixtures played on Easter Monday (W13, D3), a run that dates back several decades and could be a good omen heading into this clash.

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Spurs v Nott’m Forest, 2024/25 | Premier League