When Nottingham Forest face Liverpool at the City Ground next week it will be a top-of-the-table match that barely anyone could have predicted back in August.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s side are six points behind the leaders after Monday’s 3-0 win at Wolves and victory over the Reds – who they beat earlier in the season at Anfield – on Tuesday, 14 January will only increase title talk.
From finishing 17th last season, amid off-field chaos and a four-point deduction for breaching profit and sustainability rules, Nuno has transformed the side.
Only now are questions about their title credentials being asked, testament to the calm waters at Forest and Nuno’s ability to play down even the highest praise.
Even if it was tongue in cheek, the manager quipped in his post match news conference at Molineux that he will not look at the table with Forest third, only behind Arsenal on goal difference.
“I don’t know, maybe the end of the season I’ll take a look. I promise you guys I will,” he smiled.
“We are trying to build something nice together. We have to enjoy the journey, nothing else matters. The table doesn’t matter. We just keep on going.”
The Portuguese will not be able to deflect the attention or questions for much longer, though. Asked directly about the Liverpool game he pointed to the visit of Luton in the FA Cup third round on Saturday.
“I’m sorry to not answer your question, but this is the reality. We must prepare well for that game,” he said.
“The FA Cup is important and it is a good chance for us in terms of the squad. We can give minutes to players, because it is a very long season and we need all the players to have minutes. They need to have fitness and rhythm. So first, Luton.”
Forest are the only team to beat Liverpool in the Premier League this season and should they do the double over Arne Slot’s side, it will be more than just a statement of intent.
“If they beat Liverpool they are in the title race,” said former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher on Sky Sports.
“What I would say right now is if the Champions League goes to the top five positions they have got one hell of a chance.”
