Striker Sam Surridge “relishes” the big occasions - and he knows they don’t come much bigger than Nottingham Forest’s clash at Bournemouth.
Automatic promotion is a real possibility for the Reds as this season reaches its climax, with Tuesday night near enough a winner-takes-all encounter in the fight for second place. Victory for the hosts would clinch their place in the Premier League, while three points for Steve Cooper’s side would see them leapfrog their opponents on goal difference with one game to go.
Even a draw would not extinguish Forest’s hopes completely. A point apiece would still take it down to the final day.
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Mighten prediction
Boss Steve Cooper has predicted a bright future at Nottingham Forest for youngster Alex Mighten.
Game time has been limited for the 20-year-old this season, with a combination of injuries, tactical tweaks and the Reds’ impressive promotion-chasing form playing a part. Saturday’s run-out from off the bench was only his fourth appearance of 2022.
Still, Mighten marked it with a goal which showed great determination and capped a 5-1 win over Swansea City as Forest kept their hopes of snatching second spot alive. And Cooper says the Nigel Doughty Academy graduate will be a key part of his plans going forward.
“He had a spring in his step in training! He was on a brilliant level in training,” said the Welshman. “He deserved it.
Cherries wary
Midfielder Philip Billing says Bournemouth are well aware of the threat Nottingham Forest will pose on Tuesday evening.
The two sides meet at the Vitality Stadium for a rearranged clash which could determine who finishes second in the Championship. If the Reds avoid defeat, the battle for automatic promotion would go down to the final day.
Under Steve Cooper’s stewardship, they have charged up the table - going from rock-bottom to third with two games to go. And they make the trip south in fine form.
A Sam Surridge hat-trick helped see off Swansea City 5-1 at the City Ground on Saturday. That made it seven wins in Forest’s last eight league games, with their only defeat coming at Luton Town.
Referee appointment
It’s a big week for Nottingham Forest as they could seal their fate for next season as they aim to climb into the automatic promotion places.
Forest know that two wins in their last two games will see them play Premier League football next season. The first of those games come on Tuesday when they travel to the south coast to take on AFC Bournemouth.
The Cherries are the team currently occupying the second automatic promotion place, they sit three points ahead of Forest. However, the Reds’ superior goal difference could give them a key advantage at the end of the campaign.
It means that all eyes are on the Vitality Stadium for the clash on Tuesday night. A win would see Forest climb into second place ahead of the final weekend of the season, where Steve Cooper ’s side take on Hull City while Bournemouth host Millwall.
