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Forest Daily: The Reds must 'focus' ahead of Porto match
David Jackson
BBC Radio Nottingham reporter
Three weeks ago Nottingham Forest's players were facing a pivotal week. First was the huge test to overturn a deficit against a consistent Midtjylland team in the Europa League and then, just a few days later, what was being viewed as a relegation decider at Spurs. Forest won them both, of course.
As if that wasn't enough, fans also got the news that Chris Wood will soon be back (and indeed, he is in the squad for tonight).
It's fair to say the mood has changed in the last 21 days. There's more optimism. There's hope. There's also a feeling of togetherness, helped in part by an open training session held at the City Ground over the weekend which also allowed Vitor Pereira a chance to develop more of a relationship with supporters.
How much Wood will be able to impact on the team's hopes in either the Europa League or the Premier League remains to be seen. After six months out, former Forest and England midfielder Steve Hodge believes it's "nigh on impossible for him" to get to the level he was at last season, in such a short space of time.
But with options so limited up front for Forest, any kind of Wood will be welcome and the positivity around his return has already served a purpose in generating that optimism I mentioned.
The club now embarks on a six-and-a-half-week spell that could, at one end of the scale, see Forest in both the Premier League and the Champions League next season. At the other end, they could be in the Championship and needing a rebuild. They passed the test of that huge week against Midtjylland and Spurs. Now for more.
Join BBC Radio Nottingham from 18:00 BST for all the build-up to Porto against Forest in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final. You'll hear commentary on the radio from 20:00 BST.
Image source, Getty ImagesBBC Radio Nottingham's Colin Fray says Forest can use their 3-0 win away at Fenerbahce earlier this season as a blueprint as they prepare to face Porto in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final on Thursday.
Forest dominated from start to finish in Istanbul to record their biggest ever away win in European competition in Vitor Pereira's first match in charge in February.
They also beat Thursday's opponents earlier this season in the league phase at home in Sean Dyche's first game in charge, but since then Porto have opened up a lead at the top of the Portuguese Primeira Liga.
"It is going to be a heck of a challenge," Fray told In the Game on BBC Radio Nottingham.
"They've obviously proven they can beat Porto because they did earlier this season in the league phase.
"That's Porto's only defeat in the Europa League and at home they are five wins from five. That shows you their strength - they have only lost once at home in all competitions this season and they are five points clear at the top of the Portugese league with only a few games left.
"All that emphasises what a difficult tie Forest have facing them over the two legs, but we spoke in similar terms about Fenerbahce with the atmosphere there, the big stadium and the feel of a big European club. Forest went there and won 3-0 and were outstanding that night.
"In a season where you never quite know what you are going to get, Forest have done fairly well on the road in Europe. They have had some good performances away from home, but they are going to have to be really good again on Thursday night."
Nottingham Forest expect England midfielder Elliot Anderson to join either Manchester United or Manchester City if he leaves this summer, however, the club want a fee of £100m-£120m for the 23-year-old. (Florian Plettenberg, external)
Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column
Nottingham Forest boss Vitor Pereira has been speaking to BBC Radio Nottingham before Thursday's Europa League quarter-final first leg against Porto at Estadio Do Dragao (kick-off 20:00 BST).
Here are the key lines from his discussion with Colin Fray:
Pereira said Chris Wood is back in training after six months out, adding: "He is working with the team. I hope he can help us in the games we need to face. My experience with this kind of injury, we cannot expect 90 minutes and 90 minutes and 90 minutes. I need to manage him in the proper way."
The Forest boss said time off from fixtures has allowed them to "recover small injuries". Jair Cunha is "in the last days to recover totally" but Pereira thinks Nicol Savona is out for the remainder of the season.
On facing Porto Pereira warned his side "need to be focused in every second" with a "mentality to compete for every ball".
Pereira, who managed Porto from 2011 to 2013, said: "Tomorrow will see a fantastic atmosphere for sure. I will be red. I think it's the first time I will be red in the stadium. Tomorrow we come here to prove ourselves. For us and our fantastic supporters, it will be a big challenge."
The Portuguese head coach detailed the challenge of facing Porto, who sit five points clear in the Portuguese top flight: "This time, for Porto, they are doing very well in the league, trying to get the title. It is a moment for the club where they are connected with their supporters. Fenerbahce was more emotional, in a moment where you are not winning the title in their case. Porto is in a different moment, they are hungry for titles."
On having faith in his squad and an ability to rotate for the fixture, he added: "This is the only way to compete in the league and here. Porto is the kind of team they change 10 players for Europa League. The only way to make the players feel they are important in a club, that everyone is important in a club and ready to help the club. We are feeling we can change a player and they will perform because they are ready. We will start with a good team and intention to win the game."
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Join David Jackson, Colin Fray and Steve Hodge on a special episode of Shut Up And Show More Football from Porto as Nottingham Forest prepare for a Europa League quarter-final.
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Nick Mashiter in Porto
Football reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesStriker Igor Jesus has revealed his World Cup dream as he plots European glory with Nottingham Forest.
The 25-year-old has scored once in five games for the five-time winners and wants to seal his spot with Brazil for the summer's tournament in the USA, Canada and Mexico.
Jesus is the Europa League's seven-goal top scorer and is in Porto with Forest ahead of Thursday's quarter-final first leg.
He has netted 13 times this season - although just three in the Premier League - since a £10m move from Botafogo last summer.
"To be among the players (going) to the World Cup it would be a dream and I think I have the skills for it but it will result from what I do here too," he said at the Estadio do Dragao.
"I have been preparing very well, I always try to help my colleagues the best way possible and I hope I can keep doing it."
The forward scored in the 3-0 first-leg knock out win in Fenerbahce, Vitor Pereira's first game in charge, and is eager for more against the Portuguese league leaders, where he will face former Chelsea defender and fellow Brazil international Thiago Silva.
"I'm really, really happy to be top scorer, we know it's not easy to be there. I always work and give my best to help the team. Tomorrow we have an important game and we can do it," said Jesus.
"He (Silva) is a top centre back, I don't care about that. I want to do my best and help the team. He is a good player and we have so many good players and we can do our best tomorrow and win the game.
"We know our quality and we know what we can do and we know we can do it."
Nick Mashiter
Football reporter
Image source, PA MediaVitor Pereira returns to face Porto for the first time since leaving 13 years ago.
The Nottingham Forest boss won two Portuguese titles as head coach, having succeeded Andre Villas Boas when he left for Chelsea in 2011.
He has been assistant to Villas Boas before that.
Porto stand in the way of Forest reaching their first European semi-final since the 1984 Uefa Cup last-four defeat by Anderlecht.
Forest have flown to Portugal after training in Nottingham and Pereira will be in the media suite of the Estadio do Dragao this evening to face the press.
His side are entering the season-defining phase of the campaign with three home games to come - including the return leg against Porto - after the trip to Portugal.
Aston Villa visit the City Ground on Sunday with Burnley arriving a week later and Forest could be all but safe and in a European semi-final in the next 11 days if results go their way.
They are still just three points above the relegation zone in the Premier League and could go down and win the Europa League, but there is a growing sense of confidence they will, at least, maintain their top-flight spot.
Europe has been a welcome distraction from league troubles this season but, with improvements domestically, it means Forest have the chance to attack both with full force.
We asked for your views on whether Nottingham Forest will survive in the Premier League when you take a look a little lower down this page at the fixture run-ins both the Reds and their rivals face.
Here are some of your comments:
Phil: On paper Forest and West Ham have the more difficult run in in the Premier League, but like the great Brian Clough said, "games are not played on paper".
Neil: A minimum of four points in our games against Villa and Sunderland will probably be enough to save us because us Forest fans know we can't rely on a good result against a struggling Burnley team. My fear is that we will need something against our bogey team, Bournemouth on the final day. I still think we are relying on other teams being worse than us.
There's an obvious element of Forest's play that could prove the difference between survival and the dreaded drop - that's in front of goal in home fixtures.
Forest have scored 13 goals from 228 shots at the City Ground in the Premier League this season, a conversion rate of 5.7%. It's the lowest home conversion rate by any side in a Premier League campaign since Fulham in 2020-21 (3.9%).
What would home fans give to see this improve. When the margins are so small, it may be all that's needed to safeguard Premier League status.
Nick Mashiter
Football reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesIt feels like a lifetime since Nottingham Forest beat Porto in October.
Then, Sean Dyche swept in on a wave of nostalgia, promising togetherness after the fractured 39 days of Ange Postecoglou's reign.
His first game, the 2-0 win over Porto in the Europa League group phase, promised a brighter future, as did Premier League victories against Liverpool and Tottenham, but Dyche himself lasted just 114 days.
Now Vitor Pereira is tasked with toppling the Portuguese Primeira Liga leaders - with whom he won two titles in 2012 and 2013.
There was already a feeling of growing stability before the crucial 3-0 win at Tottenham in Forest's final match before the international break and Pereira has the chance to add to the growing momentum at the Estadio do Dragao on Thursday.
It is Forest's first European quarter-final since their last Uefa Cup adventure in 1995-96 which ended with a 7-2 aggregate defeat by Bayern Munich.
Pereira has steered Forest through tricky knockout ties against Fenerbahce and Midtjylland but Porto, with just four defeats this season - the first coming against Forest - represent a different challenge.
"We're on a journey," said captain Ryan Yates. "We're dreaming, like we have done from the start of this competition.
"It's exciting. It's totally different to the Premier League. It just has such a different feel to it.
"We're dreaming that we're in the quarter-finals and we've played Porto already, we know how good they are. It's going to be difficult but it's exciting and we're looking forward to it."
Katie Stafford
BBC Sport journalist
There are 21 points left up for grabs in the 2025-26 Premier League season and every one of those will matter for those near the bottom of the table.
Who will survive and who will be relegated to the Championship?
West Ham currently sit in 18th, with Tottenham one point above the drop, Nottingham Forest three ahead and Leeds four.
Here's a look at the four clubs' final seven games of the season.
West Ham face bottom club Wolves on Friday - their first of four home games in the run-in.
The Hammers then face Brentford,Everton and Newcastle, who are all chasing a European spot, and current league leaders Arsenal.
If it goes down to the wire, then the final game of the season between West Ham and Leeds could be all or nothing.
Unlike West Ham, Tottenham have more away games in their run-in.
Yet that could in fact favour Spurs given they possess the worst home record in the Premier League this season, having won just two of their 16 home games.
Roberto de Zerbi will need to make an immediate impact as they travel to Sunderland and then host his former club Brighton the following week.
Spurs host Leeds on 11 May in what could be an important game in the fight for survival, before two tricky final games against Chelsea and Everton.
Nottingham Forest and Leeds have three and four-point buffers to the drop zone respectively - but they will play more games than Tottenham and West Ham as they are both still in cup competitions.
Forest have still got to play three of the current top six, as well as European-chasing Newcastle and Bournemouth.
Should they progress to the Europa League semi-finals then both legs will have to be played either side of their trip to Stamford Bridge on 4 May.
Leeds' FA Cup semi-final - also against Chelsea - will be played three days after their visit to Bournemouth.
And it is Leeds who have to play the most teams near the bottom, with four of their seven remaining fixtures against the current bottom four.
So how are you feeling? Does it make you nervy looking at your club's and other teams' fixtures? Or do you think you have enough to beat the drop?
Get in touch with your views here
All kick-off times BST, fixture dates and times subject to change.
Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson would prefer a move to Manchester City this summer. Manchester United look like missing out on the England international. (Mirror, external)
Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column
Pat Riddell
Fan writer
Image source, PA MediaThe results of England's games against Uruguay and Japan might not mean much, but Thomas Tuchel and the rest of the watching public will have learned a few things. Injuries and withdrawals made the performances unbalanced and disjointed, which certainly cemented places for some of the likely starting XI.
Nottingham Forest will almost definitely have an England starter this summer in Elliot Anderson. The midfielder's statistics have become slightly ridiculous this season, his numbers topping numerous charts for passing, tackles, duels and interceptions in the Premier League and across Europe.
Morgan Gibbs-White had a slower start to the campaign and has not made quite the same impact for England, his position is in much more competition from players at, dare we say, bigger clubs. And while it is highly unlikely he will be lining up against Croatia on 17 June in Dallas, there is absolutely a case for arguing for his inclusion in the squad.
The likes of Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze, Cole Palmer and Phil Foden have not had great seasons. And whether Gibbs-White is competing for the number 10 position, or somewhere out wide, his ability to influence a game - even as an impact substitute - is without doubt.
In terms of goals and assists in the Premier League this season, the only English players with more than Gibbs-White's 11 are Jarrod Bowen (14), Morgan Rogers (13) and Danny Welbeck (12). Across Europe's top five leagues, the only other English player making that list is Harry Kane with 36; Gibbs-White is the top-scoring English midfielder with nine goals, level with Palmer.
Tuchel has already said Foden is not guaranteed a spot, so with seven league games to go, there is still a chance for Gibbs-White to stake his claim - an England side lacking and creative guile could do no worse than make space for the City Ground favourite.
Find more from Pat Riddell at The Famous Club, external
Manchester United will look to add two new central midfielders to their squad this summer, with Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson, Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton and Newcastle United's Sandro Tonali all under consideration. (Givemesport), external
Want more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip column
Pat Riddell
Fan writer
The transfer rumours never stop. Ever since Nottingham Forest returned to the Premier League, any player who has excelled in any consistent way has been linked with a move to a 'bigger club'.
Very few of them have actually left. Brennan Johnson and Anthony Elanga were the two big-money departures - both record sales - sanctioned with an eye on sustainability. Others have been sold for good money, but perhaps weren't as intrinsic to the first team and were subsequently replaced with an equal or upgraded equivalent.
It is only now that the wolves are at the door and the threat is real. But the caveats remain unknown.
Elliot Anderson hasn't just been one of Forest's best performers this season - he's been one of the Premier League's standout players. And he's been heavily linked to Manchester United and Manchester City as well as any other club that likes being linked to promising midfielders.
Morgan Gibbs-White is also fundamental to Forest's first XI and one of the most exquisite attacking players to ever grace the City Ground. Murillo is a Rolls-Royce of a defender - although perhaps there is a more graceful car comparison - and is surely the best we've seen since Des Walker.
Neco Williams has had an outstanding campaign. Nikola Milenkovic is a rock at the back. Ibrahim Sangare is finally the player we always thought he could be. All have been linked with other clubs. But - there's always a but - what if Nottingham Forest had something to do with their futures? What if we win the Europa League and qualify for the Champions League? What if we retain Premier League status and Vitor Pereira continues to impress? What if we simply persuade them to stay?
If big money comes knocking with an opportunity a player can hardly refuse, it's often unfair to stand in their way. If Evangelos Marinakis gives his blessing, knowing the revenues raised will give the Reds an even greater base to grow from, then we might see one or maybe two players depart. But it won't be without a fight. And it won't be before we know how next season looks. Hold tight.
Find more from Pat Riddell at The Famous Club, external
Manchester City are in front of Manchester United in the race for Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson and will push to sign the midfielder before this summer's World Cup. (Mail - subscription required), external
Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column
Nick Mashiter
Football reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesElliot Anderson has made the fifth most passes in the Premier League this season with 2,002 - at a success rate of 85.8% - almost 200 more than the next midfielder on the list Dominik Szoboszlai.
He has also won possession back 259 times - the highest in the division - and has won the most ground duels, 195 of his 359.
Anderson has carried the ball 5,406.5m, only behind Jan Paul van Hecke, Declan Rice, Pedro Neto and Ryan Gravenberch this season.
To some his success is no surprise.
Former Stoke midfielder Glenn Whelan coached and played with Anderson during his loan at Bristol Rovers in 2022.
Anderson joined the Pirates on deadline day in the February and made an instant impact, coming off the bench to win a point-saving penalty in the 1-1 draw at Sutton on his debut.
Whelan said: "The staff were a bit mindful at the time - Sutton were big, strong and aggressive and as a teenager would he be able to stand up to it?
"He came on and made the difference. He was a game-changer for Rovers.
"The biggest respect I can give to Elliot is he was the one who got us promoted. He was the difference.
"Straight away you could tell he was different. He loves the ball, would take on two, three, four players and after the first game everyone was thinking 'we've got a proper talent here'."
The then 19-year-old scored seven goals in 21 appearances to help Rovers to automatic promotion, including the seventh goal in their improbable 7-0 final-day win over Scunthorpe.
It left former Aston Villa and Stoke midfielder Whelan in no doubt of what Anderson could achieve.
"He's a bit of a throwback, the way he handles the ball. From where he's come from people talk about Gazza (Paul Gascoigne) - he has that about him," the former Republic of Ireland international told BBC Sport.
"He can grab games by the scruff off the neck. It's been a difficult season for Forest but if you put him in a top-four team you'll see a bigger improvement again.
"You've only seen a small bit on the England stage but he can go to the very top.
"I see him being a big success for England and being a mainstay for years."
Bologna are eyeing a summer move for Nottingham Forest's 25-year-old Italy striker Lorenzo Lucca, who is loan from Napoli until the end of the season. (Gazzetta - in Italian), external
Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column
Image source, PA MediaNottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson has been speaking to the media before England's friendly against Japan on Tuesday, the final home match before the World Cup and therefore a last chance for players to impress manager Thomas Tuchel.
"It's always a big game when you play for England and I'm really looking forward to it," said Anderson at a news conference on Monday. "It's the last game before the World Cup and I've just got to try to do what I've been doing in the previous games."
Many expect Anderson to be part of England's starting midfield when Tuchel's side begin their World Cup campaign against Croatia on 17 June.
Asked if he felt confident he would be in the team at the start of the tournament, the 23-year-old said: "I want it that way, but I've got the rest of the season left with Forest and I've got plenty of games and time until then.
"I've got to keep my standards high and make sure it happens."
At club level, Anderson's Forest team are striving to avoid relegation from the Premier League.
"Ultimately, all of the games are the same," said Anderson, when asked about the contrast between being involved in the battle for survival and representing his country.
"I'm just going onto the pitch, trying to give my best and fighting for whatever strip I've got on. That's all I'm doing."
Image source, Getty ImagesWe asked for your views on Nottingham Forest's Chris Wood edging closer to a return to first-team action after more than five months out injured, and how much of an impact the striker could have in the closing weeks of the season.
Here are some of your comments:
Joshy: I hope he can hit the ground running. But I'm not going to hold my breath - he's been out for a long while so it might take some time for him to get up to speed and scoring again.
Simon: We've needed a decent forward all season. If we scored goals per chances created, we'd be nicely positioned in mid-table or so. Igor Jesus is OK but not prolific in the Premier League and Lorenzo Lucca... well, I'll say no more. Give Woody a chance and he's more than likely to put it away or at least hit the target.
Shaun: Sadly, Wood will need at least four games to get up to speedand it could be too late by then. I hope I'm wrong but he has been a valuable player to the team and the club.
Chris: How can we not miss our top goalscorer? Hopefully he will return for the last few games. If so, we are definitely staying up!
David: Hope they don't force him into a full Porto game and we ruin our chances when we have Aston Villa at home. Give him the last 30 minutes of Porto to stretch his legs and rest him ready for Villa.
Michael: He's been a huge miss this season. It's obvious in terms of goal contributions, but also in other ways, such as leadership and knowledge of the game. Given all the drama at the club, a wise and respected head in the dressing room could really have helped.
Sean: It's been an obvious theme this season, making so many chances but failing to score. How many of those chances would Wood have scored? We'd probably have been in a better position in the league if he'd been fit, but we can't really focus on the what ifs. Jesus has done his best to lead the line, with a great return in Europe and a not-so-great return in the Premier League, despite a really strong, consistent work-rate. It's been good to see Taiwo Awoniyi get a few goals this season after what he's been through with injury recoveries. It's baffling that since Wood last played for us, we've been through a couple of managers, but now he's coming back he could have a huge impact on our survival battle. Fingers crossed.
