Nottingham Forest host Newcastle United at the City Ground today as they look to bounce back from a heartbreaking exit from Europe.
Forest’s dream of a Europa League final ended on Thursday with a 4-0 thrashing of Aston Villa in the second leg, despite winning the first leg 1-0. Forest are currently 16th, six points clear of the relegation zone with three games remaining.
Although relatively safe, Nottingham Forest still need points to mathematically secure their Premier League status. The Magpies are 13th with 45 points.
After a win against Brighton, Eddie Howe’s job is reportedly safe for next season, although Newcastle’s own hopes of European qualification are all but gone. The match features several revenge stories, with Matz Sels, Chris Wood and Elliot Anderson all facing their former club Newcastle.
Meanwhile, Anthony Elanga takes to the field at the City Ground after starring for Forest last season. The match started on Sunday afternoon. In the early highlights, Newcastle’s William Osula was denied by a desperate leg block from Matz Sels.
The encounter is a reunion of sorts with former Magpies Matz Sels and Chris Wood in Forest Red, while Anthony Elanga leads for the hosts.
Newcastle will be watching to see how their players respond in the final three games of the season; with 45 points they are six points behind seventh place, and their European hopes are fast fading.
For Forest, the aim is simple: shake off their recent slump and secure their top-level future before the final whistle of the season.
