Nuno Espírito Santo Keeps Cards Close to Chest as Forest Prepare for Crucial Everton Clash
As the Premier League season reaches its decisive stretch, Nottingham Forest are preparing for a massive fixture at the City Ground this Saturday — a clash with a resurgent Everton side that promises to test the Reds’ credentials in a whole new way.
Nottingham Forest have spent most of the season defying expectations. Since returning to the Premier League, the club has steadily built itself into a force to be reckoned with under the guidance of Nuno Espírito Santo. It was in December, with a 2-0 win over Everton at Goodison Park, that Forest fans truly began to believe this campaign could be different. That victory was commanding, composed, and full of the kind of maturity that hinted at a side growing into its identity under a new manager.
At that stage of the season, Forest’s rise up the table had started to gather real momentum. Since then, they’ve hovered near the top four and, incredibly, go into this weekend’s fixtures in third place. It’s a position few would have predicted last summer, but one that has become deserved through consistency, organisation, and tactical discipline.
Now, as they prepare to welcome Everton to the City Ground once again, the context is very different. For one, Everton are no longer the side that fell flat under Sean Dyche earlier in the season. Since Dyche’s departure, the Toffees have turned to David Moyes — the man who built his managerial reputation at Goodison Park during an 11-year spell — and under his guidance, Everton have undergone a significant transformation.
Moyes has brought back the steel, the structure, and the identity that once defined his Everton sides. Their form has improved sharply, and they now present a very real challenge to any team in the league — including high-flying Forest. The Toffees look more compact, more aggressive, and far more difficult to break down. Saturday’s match won’t resemble the one-sided affair from December, and both managers will know it.
But while Moyes will arrive with renewed optimism, Forest will be looking to bounce back. Last weekend’s 2-1 loss to Aston Villa was a frustrating setback for Nuno’s men. The result itself wasn’t catastrophic, but the performance showed signs of fatigue and tactical predictability that Forest must now address. With a packed fixture schedule ahead and games coming thick and fast, Nuno Espírito Santo must find a way to refresh his squad — both mentally and physically — to keep their Champions League hopes alive.
That task isn’t made any easier by injury concerns. In his pre-match press conference, Nuno was pressed on the availability of three key players: Chris Wood, Taiwo Awoniyi, and Ola Aina. His response was deliberately vague.
“We’re assessing all of them,” he said. “We’re hopeful on all three. Could be all three (back), could be none.”
It was a classic non-committal answer, one that reveals very little to his counterpart in the Everton dugout. At this stage of the season, mind games are part of the equation. Nuno is smart to play his cards close to his chest, especially when the opposition has had the kind of revival that Moyes has inspired at Everton. Keeping the element of surprise alive is key.
But the uncertainty surrounding those players does bring with it some genuine concern. Chris Wood and Taiwo Awoniyi are Forest’s two frontline strikers, each offering something different. Wood is the target man, the battering ram who thrives off crosses and set pieces. Awoniyi is the more mobile, explosive option — dangerous on the counter, good with his back to goal, and capable of stretching defences with his pace. Both have scored crucial goals this season and contributed significantly to Forest’s attacking identity.
If neither is fit, the burden may fall to Divock Origi — a player with Champions League pedigree but whose time at Forest has so far been underwhelming. Origi has the talent, but he needs rhythm and confidence, both of which have been in short supply since his arrival. Saturday could be a defining moment for him if he starts.
Then there’s Ola Aina, who has quietly become one of Forest’s most consistent and important players. His ability to slot in on either flank, get forward with purpose, and defend resolutely has given Forest balance and versatility. Losing him, even for one game, would be a blow.
Still, there’s reason for optimism in Forest’s approach to squad management this season. Remarkably, Forest have used the fewest number of players in the entire Premier League. That speaks volumes about the fitness levels, cohesion, and trust Nuno has in his core group. But now, with injuries looming, this small squad will be tested — and the test will reveal whether Forest can withstand pressure when stretched.
Nuno himself is no stranger to adversity. His time at Wolves, Tottenham, and even earlier in his career has seen him navigate squad rotation, long campaigns, and demanding fan expectations. Now, at Forest, he has the chance to truly earn his reputation — not just as a solid coach, but as a top-level manager capable of guiding a team to European football.
Saturday’s match is more than just another three points. It’s a litmus test. Can Forest maintain their momentum against a revitalised opponent? Can they respond to a setback with renewed energy? And crucially, can players outside the usual starting eleven step up and deliver?
This is the sort of challenge that defines seasons. A win against Everton would not only restore confidence but also send a strong message to the rest of the league: Forest are not going anywhere. They’re not just visitors in the top four — they’re here to stay.
For that to happen, the City Ground must once again become a fortress. The fans have played a huge role in Forest’s rise this season, and their support on Saturday could be the difference. Against a physical, disciplined Everton side, Forest will need every bit of energy, every ounce of passion, and every roar from the stands to carry them through.
If they can dig deep, overcome adversity, and produce a big performance, Forest will take another giant step toward achieving what would be a truly extraordinary feat — qualifying for the UEFA Champions League.
No one would have dared dream it a year ago. But now, it’s within reach. And for Nuno Espírito Santo and his players, the journey continues — one match, one battle, one moment at a time.
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