Nottingham Forest overcame a points deduction to survive relegation from the Premier League by the skin of their teeth last season.
Forest dismissed manager Steve Cooper during the campaign. The 44-year-old had taken over a side in a relegation battle in the Championship and guided them up to the Premier League.
Cooper did a stellar job keeping them in the top flight in their first season back, even though the campaign had some ups and downs.
However, after a horrendous spell that saw them lose five of their six league fixtures, chairman Evangelos Marinakis fired Cooper following a 2-0 loss to Tottenham Hotspur in December 2023.
Nuno Espirito Santo took over and immediately had to navigate a four-point deduction as the Premier League punished Forest for financial rule breaches.
Despite the setback, Forest beat the drop. They hope to climb the standings this season and could be a good bet to achieve the feat.
New Zealand Striker will be Key to Their Hopes.
Forest needs to reinforce its attack this summer after managing a meagre 49 goals in the Premier League last term—only four teams scored fewer.
The addition of Portuguese attacker Jota Silva will undoubtedly bolster the forward line. The 24-year-old notched 15 goals and seven assists for Vitoria Guimaraes last term.
Forest have not signed a new centre-forward, which indicates they could stick with Taiwo Awoniyi and Chris Wood this season.
Injuries hampered Awoniyi’s 2023/24 campaign, limiting him to only 20 league appearances. The Nigerian international is a wrecking ball when fit and firing, but injuries impact his consistency.
Wood stepped up and delivered the goods in Awoniyi’s absence, scoring the goals that helped ensure their safety. He netted 14 times in 31 appearances and has carried his form into pre-season.
If the New Zealand striker can continue his excellent form in the new campaign, Forests’ odds of staying up will improve. Forests are rated as having 3.00 shots at being relegated.
However, if Wood continues to find the back of the net with such frequency, NZ football fans will head to the best betting sites to back them to survive.
With the form he showed towards the end of the season and his three goals already in pre-season, the Kiwi could even be a left-field gamble for the Golden Boot.
Milenkovic Looks to be a Shrewd Signing
Another crucial area Forest needs to reinforce is the backline after conceding 67 goals last term—only the relegated trio and West Ham United conceded more in the English top flight.
They have signed defender Nikola Milenkovic from Fiorentina, and his addition will strengthen the rearguard. The Serbian has been one of the highest-rated centre-halves in Serie A over the past few seasons and boasts a wealth of experience.
A physically imposing centre-back blessed with remarkable speed for his build, he can play a crucial role for Forest as they look to shore up the defence.
Forest has also been concerned about the goalkeeping position, with Odysseas Vlachodimos, Matt Turner, and Matz Sels underperforming.
Turner started the season as the number one. But after shipping 28 goals in 17 league matches, Forest signed a new keeper in January.
Sels joined from Strasbourg but conceded 27 goals in 16 outings. Vlachodimos was given a chance but looked horrendous in his five league appearances. He has joined Newcastle United.
Forest has signed Brazilian goalkeeper Carlos Miguel from Corinthians to provide competition for the duo. He could be the solution to the problem.
Midfielder Elliot Anderson joined from Newcastle, while right-back Eric da Silva Moreira moved to the City Ground from German club St Pauli.
Nottingham Forest 2024/25 Expectations
Forest’s narrow escape last season masks the club’s underlying challenges. Forest now faces the task of building on their survival or risking another relegation battle.
With the talent at their disposal and an experienced manager at the helm, they should be able to climb into the calmer waters of mid-table.
Their pre-season results have been encouraging, with wins over Chesterfield, Olympiacos, and Millwall and draws with Sunderland and Villarreal. Forest’s only loss came against Elche.
With a blend of experienced heads and promising young talent, the club will want a more comfortable season. However, the threat of relegation will linger.
