The pressure was on Nottingham Forest on Monday night. The stakes were high.
The Reds knew it was arguably a must-win game against Southampton. And as one which captured wider attention - even before a thrilling encounter had got going - it came under exactly the kind of spotlight you’d expect for a match between two sides in the thick of the relegation fight.
But Saturday’s trip to Chelsea is now just as big for Steve Cooper’s side. Classing it as another must-win would be too much of a stretch, but it is certainly no less important - and not just because it is the next fixture on the horizon.
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Forest’s away record remains pretty dismal. They are stuck on one victory and three draws from 17 outings on the road. They have lost their last seven. Not since returning from Bournemouth with a point in January have they picked up anything on their travels.
But - and it is quite a significant but - performances have been much better of late. Against both Liverpool and Brentford, the Reds gave a good account of themselves. Against Aston Villa, too, the game plan had largely been working before an inexplicable error cost them.
That has got to provide much encouragement ahead of the latest trip to the capital. In addition to the lift from beating the Saints, Forest need to remember how close they came from getting results at Anfield and the Gtech Community Stadium - and be mindful of why they didn’t.
With three games to go, Cooper’s men have their fate in their own hands. But they know how quickly that situation can change again.
If they can maintain a bit of momentum by returning with something from Stamford Bridge, it would be a huge fillip. It would also keep up the pressure on their rivals.
The challenge does not get any easier in the Reds’ final two games. They will have the City Ground factor in their favour against title-challengers Arsenal but will still be in for a very tough test.
Rounding the campaign off with a trip to Crystal Palace is also not ideal. Even if the hosts have nothing to play for, should Forest go there in need of a result it would do wonders for confidence if they could break their away hoodoo before then.
That is why this Saturday must be seen as a big opportunity. If the Reds can even get a point, it would be an important step. Given how tight the table is, the margin could be that fine in the final reckoning.
Cooper’s side shouldn’t lack belief against the Blues. They are more than capable of ending their away losing streak. They have players in good form, albeit they also have others struggling with injuries. And they will be aware that this match carries just as much weight as the last one. The job isn’t done.
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