If ever there was a “must-win” game for Nottingham Forest, then it is Monday’s do or die Premier League clash with rock-bottom Southampton.
The Reds have four games to save their top-flight necks - and the fixture list does not make for pleasant reading. Following the Saints clash, Forest go to Chelsea, host title-chasing Arsenal and then round off their season at Crystal Palace. How many points do even ardent Reds fans see their team claiming from those games?
So victory over Southampton would give them a chance of avoiding the drop, and that is why the game takes on so much importance, particularly after seeing valuable points snatched away at Brentford last time out.
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Not that Southampton will be pushovers. While their stay in the Premier League is very nearly over, they have given plenty of teams a fright this season, drawing with the likes of Arsenal, Tottenham and Manchester United and beating Chelsea.
Last time out, they led at Newcastle before succumbing to a second-half onslaught to lose 3-1, suggesting Forest fans will need to be patient on Monday.
That defeat at St James’ Park, plus being pegged back at Arsenal after leading 2-0 and 3-1, suggests the Saints tend to run out of steam. Reds fans will certainly hope so.
There was a welcome boost for Forest, however, after relegation rivals Leicester City lost heavily at Fulham to remain level on points with the Reds and Leeds. And that was needed after West Ham's shock victory over Manchester United on Sunday saw the Londoners edge clear of the drop zone.
When does Forest vs Saints kick off?
The match begins at 8pm on Monday, May 8, at the City Ground.
Is Forest vs Saints on TV?
Yes - the evening kick-off time is to accommodate the Sky Sports cameras at the City Ground. The broadcast is due to start at 7pm and will be shown on Sky's Main Event and Premier League channels. All you need is to be a Sky subscriber to access the action, and you can buy a pass to view HERE.
The game will also be broadcast internationally - and you can find out where it is being shown here. Sky Sports will upload key moments from the game to their YouTube channel and website shortly after the final whistle.
How else can I follow the game?
You can also follow the action here at NottinghamshireLive. Our Forest reporter Sarah Clapson will be blogging live from the City Ground, delivering team news, live match updates, player ratings, reaction and analysis as it happens. You can follow her on Facebook and Twitter.
BBC Radio Nottingham will also be broadcasting from the game with coverage starting at 7pm.
Tell us your score prediction vs Saints in the comments section here
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