Nottingham Forest’s Premier League status will not be decided by what happens in January, but it could be defined by it.
Just as that 4-0 thumping at Leicester City proved to be a turning point - both for the depths the Reds plummeted with their performance and how it led to the club’s decision to back, rather than sack, Steve Cooper - so this month can be equally as important to how this season pans out.
Starting it with a draw against Chelsea was a positive. Not just because of the valuable point gained courtesy of a spirited fightback against one of the big guns, but also because of the excellent second half display which showed exactly what this team is capable of, and which really merited a victory.
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Cooper has talked a lot about “belief” in recent weeks. His players can now believe they have it within them to respond to going a goal down; they’ve shown they can do that. They can believe, too, that they can hold their own in the top-flight; taking the game to Chelsea was another example of that, to go with wins over Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur (in the Carabao Cup) and Crystal Palace.
The next step is believing they can triumph away from home. And translating that into an impressive performance on the road.
In that sense, January can be crucial. Wednesday’s trip to Southampton is followed by a visit to Bournemouth later in the month. Given both sides are relegation rivals, if Forest manage to get something from those games, it could change the complexion of the table. Scoring what would be only their second goal on their travels would be a start.
A home game against the Foxes in between those two away matches also presents an opportunity. For some form of revenge, yes, but also as a key fixture to target points from. At the City Ground, Cooper’s side will back themselves against most opponents.
The month also has a place in the Carabao Cup semi-finals up for grabs, with a winnable tie against Wolverhampton Wanderers. And given how an FA Cup run helped build momentum in the league last season, the Reds will want to do the same again when they head to Blackpool at the weekend.
Off the pitch, while the winter transfer window will not be anywhere near as busy as the summer was, getting the right business done will be crucial to Forest’s survival bid. A few considered signings could make all the difference.
Cooper has spoken about the impact having Filippo Giraldi in place as sporting director will make on that front. Although the club is having to take into account the injury situation, there is a plan in place.
Just as they have on the pitch, the Reds have shown they are equipped to navigate a key month. The fight to stay up will not be over by the end of it, but Forest could have given their survival hopes a significant shot in the arm by then.
How many points will Forest get from their January fixtures? Have your say in the comments below
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