Head coach Steve Cooper is keen for Nottingham Forest to make the most of holding their Premier League fate in their own hands as they approach the final two games.
The Reds are three points clear of the relegation zone, in 16th spot, ahead of Saturday’s clash with Arsenal (5.30pm). They are four ahead of 19th-placed Leicester City.
There is the possibility safety could be secured before they head to Crystal Palace on the final day, and Cooper wants his side to maintain the momentum which has seen them pick up seven points from their last four matches.
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“It was a very different situation last year (fighting for promotion), but wherever you are in the league, when you’re playing for something you always want it to be in your hands,” he said. “We have managed to create that for now, and that’s what we’ve got to try to capitalise on.
“There’s a lot of hard work to do that and a lot of good things need to happen to keep it that way. But we’ve got to have the confidence and the motivation - which I believe we have - to make it that way.
“There’s a mini-league going on in our part of the table and we want to stay, minimum, where we are now. But there’s so much that can happen in the next two games. We’ve just got to concentrate on what we’re in control of, concentrate on the present, getting the best out of every day - I believe we are all doing that, staff and players - and that gives us the best chance.”
It is a late kick-off (5.30pm) for the City Ground meeting with the Gunners. Everton, who are just below Forest, play Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux before then, while Leeds United are away to West Ham United on Sunday and Leicester City visit Newcastle United the following day.
If Cooper’s side claim three points on Saturday and either Leeds or the Toffees fail to win, the Reds would be safe. Even a draw could be enough to avoid a nervy last day trip to the capital, if other results go their way.
“There’s a game before ours because we kick off a bit later,” Cooper added. “Fair play to the players - particularly with the Southampton game, when everything went on before us - they’ve really shown they can stay on task and not be deterred by what’s gone on elsewhere.
“I don’t think it’s an advantage or disadvantage to play before or after anyone else; it’s never that easy. It’s all about taking care of your own business.
“It’s all about doing what it takes to look after yourself, because in the end that is the biggest aspect of determining where you end up. We’re mindful of that, and that’s where our focus is.”
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