When Nuno Espirito Santo, the head coach of Nottingham Forest, addressed the media following the final whistle at the Etihad Stadium in December, he struck an optimistic note.
Despite the Reds’ recent 3-0 loss to Manchester City, the Portuguese remained positive. His remarks take on greater meaning a few months later.
Following that loss against Pep Guardiola’s team, they were sixth in the standings. They are currently in third place with 11 games left in the schedule. The Reds have advanced significantly, even in a very short period of time.
Even though their recent performances and results have been inconsistent, City will still confront a different Forest than the one they met at the conclusion of last year when they travel there on Saturday (12.30pm kickoff).
And the fact that Nuno’s team are at home will be a major advantage this time. One should not undervalue the City Ground’s ability to help the Reds win the game in the final stretch.
Since Newcastle United defeated them in November, Forest has not suffered a defeat on the banks of the Trent. Although it seems cliche, they have truly turned their house into a stronghold. It is their hidden weapon—or maybe not so secret—in the fight for a Champions League spot.
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