Nottingham Forest v Liverpool: Are Nuno Espirito Santo’s side Premier League title contenders?
When Nottingham Forest take on Liverpool at the City Stadium next week, it will be a top-flight game that few could have predicted in August.
Nuno Espiritu Santo’s side are six points behind the leaders after Monday’s game 3-0 win over Wolves Their victory over the Reds at Anfield earlier in the season on Tuesday 14 January only adds to the title talk.
Nuno transformed the team after finishing just 17th last season amid off-field chaos and a four-point deduction for breaching profit and sustainability rules.
It’s a testament to Forest’s calmer waters and Nuno’s ability to downplay the highest praise that it’s only now that people are asking about their title credentials.
Even if it was a joke, the manager quipped in his post-match press conference at Molineux that he wouldn’t look past Forest, who are third in the table and only trailing Arsenal on goal difference.
“I don’t know, maybe at the end of the season I’ll see. I promise you I will,” he said with a smile.
“We’re trying to create something beautiful together. We have to enjoy the ride and nothing else matters. The table doesn’t matter. We just keep moving forward.”
The Portuguese won’t be able to deflect attention or questions for long, though. When asked directly about Liverpool’s match, he pointed to Saturday’s FA Cup third round tie against Luton.
“Sorry not to answer your question, but that’s the reality. We have to be ready for this game,” he said.
“The FA Cup is important and in terms of the team it’s a great opportunity for us. We can give players minutes because it’s a very long season and we need all players to have minutes. They need to stay healthy and in shape. “The first thing is rhythm. “
Forest are the only team to beat Liverpool in the Premier League this season and it would be more than a statement of intent if they could double Arne Slott’s side.
“If they beat Liverpool they’re in the title race,” former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher said on Sky Sports.
“What I want to say now is that if they finish in the top five in the Champions League, they have a golden opportunity.”
