Nottingham Forest should not pass up Porto chance as Vitor Pereira weighs key dilemma | OneFootball

A pivotal City Ground double-header could shape Nottingham Forest’s season, with Europa League progress and Premier League survival both in play.

They opened a three-game home run by drawing 1-1 with Aston Villa on Sunday, and now host Porto on Thursday after a 1-1 first leg in Portugal.

Burnley then visit on Sunday. Forest sit three points above the drop and Vitor Pereira is still seeking his first City Ground win, so timing matters.

Pereira has stressed survival is the priority and described relegation as a disaster, yet Europe should not be sacrificed. He managed minutes in the Midtjylland second leg before a major test at Tottenham, and fringe players delivered in Denmark.

Porto will be demanding, Forest’s home form has been patchy and they rode their luck away, but they are five unbeaten and a semi-final is there to chase.

Survival maths is tight. Since 1995/96, 36 points has been enough on at least 18 occasions, but this season may require more and 36 might not suffice.

Leeds look safer after beating Manchester United on Monday, leaving Forest, West Ham and Tottenham scrapping to avoid the third relegation spot. Tottenham have shown little character, Roberto De Zerbi has not had an immediate bounce.

Burnley is no gimme. A home win would leave Forest well placed, but nothing will be settled either way.

Up front, Chris Wood’s return is timely. He may start on Thursday, with Igor Jesus in support, and pairing them is an option.

Pereira omitted Taiwo Awoniyi and Lorenzo Lucca against Villa, believing Wood covered the role and favouring depth elsewhere. Lucca may struggle for minutes, though Awoniyi could still feature, perhaps from the bench on Sunday.

Source: Nottingham Post