Nottingham Forest’s Sensational Season Under Nuno Espírito Santo: FA Cup Clash, Player of the Month Nominations, and Champions League Push
Nottingham Forest have been one of the biggest surprise packages of the 2024/25 Premier League season, flourishing under Nuno Espírito Santo. After narrowly avoiding relegation last season, Forest have defied all expectations and are currently sitting in third place in the Premier League table, with Champions League qualification now a realistic ambition.
The team has shown a perfect balance between attacking brilliance and defensive solidity, a testament to Nuno’s tactical expertise and the squad’s remarkable improvement. Their 12 clean sheets, coupled with the attacking exploits of Chris Wood, Morgan Gibbs-White, Callum Hudson-Odoi, and Anthony Elanga, have transformed them into a force to be reckoned with.
As club football resumes after the international break, Forest turn their attention to a crucial FA Cup quarter-final showdown against Brighton & Hove Albion this weekend. Additionally, their strong performances in March have seen two of their key players—Nikola Milenkovic and Anthony Elanga—nominated for the Premier League Player of the Month award.
Let’s dive into the latest on Nottingham Forest, from their FA Cup aspirations to their top-four chase and the standout performers driving this remarkable campaign.
FA Cup Quarter-Final: Forest Face Brighton in a Pivotal Clash
Nottingham Forest’s FA Cup quarter-final match against Brighton at the Amex Stadium on Saturday, March 30 represents a massive opportunity for the club to take another step toward potential silverware. The FA Cup remains one of England’s most prestigious competitions, and with Forest already defying expectations in the league, a cup run would be the icing on the cake for their remarkable season.
However, the big blow heading into this match is the absence of star striker Chris Wood, who has been ruled out due to an injury sustained during international duty with New Zealand. Wood has been Forest’s top scorer this season, netting an impressive 18 Premier League goals, and was instrumental in their 7-0 demolition of Brighton on February 1, where he scored a stunning hat-trick.
Without Wood, Morgan Gibbs-White, Callum Hudson-Odoi, and Anthony Elanga will need to step up in attack. While Brighton will be eager to exact revenge for their previous heavy defeat, Forest will be hoping to continue their dream FA Cup run and secure a spot in the semi-finals at Wembley.
Nottingham Forest’s Premier League Player of the Month Nominations
Forest’s strong performances in March have not gone unnoticed, with two of their standout players—Nikola Milenkovic and Anthony Elanga—earning nominations for the Premier League Player of the Month award.
Nikola Milenkovic: The Defensive Rock
Serbian centre-back Nikola Milenkovic has been a crucial part of Forest’s defensive transformation. Signed for just £12 million last summer, Milenkovic has played every Premier League game since Matchday 2, and his performances have been nothing short of outstanding.
His defensive brilliance was on full display in Forest’s 0-0 draw against Manchester City, where the team kept their 12th clean sheet of the season against one of the best attacking sides in the world. Additionally, he scored in the 4-2 victory over Ipswich Town, proving his worth at both ends of the pitch.
In an era where top-class defenders often cost upwards of £50-60 million, Milenkovic’s bargain £12 million fee looks like a steal, and he is quickly emerging as one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League.
Anthony Elanga: Resurgence in 2024
After a slow start to the season, Anthony Elanga has rediscovered his best form in recent months. The Swedish winger was unplayable in Forest’s 4-2 win over Ipswich, scoring twice and tormenting defenders with his pace and direct running.
Since the turn of the year, Elanga has elevated his performances and become a key attacking threat for Nuno Espírito Santo’s side. His ability to stretch defenses, create chances, and score goals has been vital in Forest’s push for a top-four finish.
Elanga and Milenkovic are competing for the Premier League Player of the Month award against Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United), Declan Rice (Arsenal), Jean-Richer Bellegarde (Wolves), and Jan Paul van Hecke (Brighton). Given their exceptional form, either Forest star could emerge as the winner.
The Key Players Driving Forest’s Success
Beyond Milenkovic and Elanga, several other players have been crucial to Nottingham Forest’s remarkable rise to third place this season.
Chris Wood: Nottingham Forest’s Record-Breaking Goal Machine
Chris Wood has been in career-best form, scoring 18 Premier League goals, making him Forest’s all-time leading Premier League goalscorer. His hat-trick against Brighton in February remains one of the standout performances of the season.
His injury is a major setback, but Forest will be hoping he can return quickly to aid their Champions League push.
Morgan Gibbs-White: The Creative Engine
Morgan Gibbs-White continues to be the heartbeat of Forest’s attack, creating chances, driving forward with the ball, and linking up brilliantly with teammates. His technical ability and vision have been instrumental in unlocking opposition defenses.
Callum Hudson-Odoi: Revival of a Star
After struggling for consistency at Chelsea, Hudson-Odoi has rediscovered his form at Nottingham Forest. His pace, dribbling ability, and goal-scoring threat have added a new dimension to Forest’s attack, making him one of the club’s most exciting players this season.
Murillo: Defensive Brilliance
Brazilian defender Murillo has been rock-solid at the back alongside Milenkovic. His composure on the ball, defensive awareness, and ability to read the game have been crucial in Forest’s defensive stability.
Elliot Anderson: A Rising Star
Since arriving from Newcastle United, Elliot Anderson has impressed with his energy, creativity, and technical skill. Gary Neville has been vocal in his praise for Anderson, tipping him to have a bright future in the Premier League.
Nottingham Forest’s Remaining Fixtures & Champions League Ambitions
With nine games left in the Premier League season, Forest will need to maintain their form to secure a historic Champions League qualification.
Upcoming Fixtures:
FA Cup Quarter-Final: Brighton vs. Nottingham Forest – March 30, 2025
Premier League: Nottingham Forest vs. Manchester United – April 1, 2025
Premier League: Aston Villa vs. Nottingham Forest – April 5, 2025
Premier League: Nottingham Forest vs. Everton – April 12, 2025
Premier League: Tottenham vs. Nottingham Forest – April 21, 2025
Premier League: Nottingham Forest vs. Brentford – April 26, 2025
Premier League: Crystal Palace vs. Nottingham Forest – May 5, 2025
With Manchester United, Aston Villa, and Tottenham among their next opponents, Forest face a challenging but exciting run-in. If they can continue their winning form, a place in next season’s UEFA Champions League is well within reach.
Final Thoughts: A Season to Remember?
Nottingham Forest’s rise under Nuno Espírito Santo has been one of the stories of the season. From relegation strugglers to Champions League contenders, they have shocked the footballing world with their tactical discipline, defensive solidity, and attacking flair.
With an FA Cup semi-final within reach and a top-four finish on the horizon, Forest fans are dreaming of a historic campaign. If they can maintain their momentum, this could go down as one of the greatest seasons in the club’s modern history.