When Nottingham Forest take on Liverpool at the City Ground next week, it will be a top-flight match that almost no one could have predicted in August.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s side are six points behind the leaders after Monday’s 3-0 win over Wolves and victory over the Reds, who they beat earlier in the season at Anfield, on Tuesday 14 January will only increase the odds. conversations about the title.
Since finishing 17th last season, amid off-field chaos and a four-point deduction for breaching profit and sustainability rules, Nuno has transformed the team.
Only now are questions being raised about his title credentials, testament to Forest’s calm waters and Nuno’s ability to downplay even the highest praise.
Even if it was tongue-in-cheek, the manager joked in his post-match press conference at Molineux that he won’t be looking at the table with Forest third, only behind Arsenal on goal difference.
“I don’t know, maybe at the end of the season I’ll take a look at it. I promise I will,” he smiled.
“We’re trying to build something nice together. We have to enjoy the journey, nothing else matters. The table doesn’t matter. We just move on.”
But the Portuguese will not be able to divert attention or questions for much longer. When asked directly about the game against Liverpool, he mentioned Saturday’s visit to Luton in the third round of the FA Cup.
“I’m sorry for not answering your question, but this is the reality. We must prepare well for that match,” he said.
“The FA Cup is important and it is a good opportunity for us in terms of squad. We can give minutes to the players because it is a very long season and we need all the players to have minutes. They need to be fit and rhythm. So first, Luton.”
Forest are the only team to beat Liverpool in the Premier League this season and if they can do the double against Arne Slot’s team, it will be more than just a statement of intent.
“If they beat Liverpool they will be in the title race,” former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher said on Sky Sports.
“What I would say now is that if the Champions League reaches the top five positions, they have a good chance.”
