Nottingham Forest survival and relegation permutations…

Nottingham Forest survival and relegation permutations explained ahead of decisive final games

For the final time this season, Nottingham Forest are in action at the City Ground on Saturday - and the occasion is huge.

The 90 minutes against Arsenal could go some way to determining whether Premier League football will be played again on Trentside next term. There is much at stake.

With two games to go, the Reds have their fate in their own hands as they sit three points above the relegation zone. However, the battle to beat the drop remains far from over.

Southampton have already gone, but five sides are fighting to avoid taking the other two spots. We take a look at the permutations for Steve Cooper’s side and their rivals.

Nottingham Forest - 16th, 34 points

Remaining games: Arsenal (H), Crystal Palace (A).

What the Reds need to do: There is the chance a draw with the Gunners this weekend could see Steve Cooper’s side safe, but it wouldn’t be confirmed until Monday. Forest would need Leeds United to lose to West Ham United on Sunday, followed by a Leicester City draw or defeat to Newcastle United the following day.

If the hosts can pull off a win Trentside, and either Leeds or Everton fail to win in this round of fixtures, that would also mean survival is secured. There is the possibility of the Reds staying up even if they lose their final two games, but it would mean nervously monitoring what is going on elsewhere.

Given their inferior goal difference, Forest must hope it doesn't come down to that. Essentially, they need to match or better what Leeds and the Foxes do in order to finish above the dotted line.

West Ham United - 15th, 37 points

Remaining games: Leeds United (H), Leicester City (A).

Relegation permutations: David Moyes’ side are all-but safe, even if it is not mathematically certain. They are six points clear of Leeds with a significantly better goal difference, so would need to lose both games heavily and see a number of other results go against them.

But they will have a big say in who does go down, given the opposition in their remaining games. That West Ham are targeting silverware in the Europa Conference League could well be a factor in how they approach those fixtures.

Everton - 17th, 32 points

Remaining games: Wolverhampton Wanderers (A), Bournemouth (H).

Relegation permutations: The Toffees would be safe if they win at Wolves and then Leeds lose at West Ham and Leicester fail to beat Newcastle. Two defeats could be enough for Leeds to overtake them by drawing just one of their two games, although that will be dependent on a minor goal difference swing.

Leeds United - 18th, 31 points

Remaining games: West Ham (A), Tottenham Hotspur (H).

Relegation permutations: In the bottom three, the Whites are reliant on others losing, as well as picking up results themselves. Even with just two games left, a number of scenarios are still possible.

If they lose in the capital, Everton beat Wolves and Forest get a positive result on Saturday, that would send Leeds down. But they could stay up by drawing just one game, if Everton and Leicester lose both of their matches.

Leicester City - 19th, 30 points

Remaining games: Newcastle United (A), West Ham United (H).

Relegation permutations: After Monday night’s loss to Liverpool, the Foxes’ fate could be sealed after the penultimate round of fixtures. They could be relegated if they fail to beat Newcastle on Monday night, Forest pick up a point against Arsenal and Everton beat Wolves. Defeat at St James’ Park would also mean Everton would only need two points from their final two games. To stay up, Leicester realistically need to win at least one of their remaining games, although it is possible two draws could be enough.

Will Forest stay up? Have your say in the comments below

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