Nottingham Forest have left it to the last minute to assure Premier League safety, and now two analysts debate whether they stand a chance or not.
Michael Dawson and Paul Merson were at odds over whether Nottingham Forest or their rivals had the best chance of Premier League survival.
With Sheffield United confirmed for relegation, only two spots are unclear. This means that only one of Forest, Luton Town, or Burnley will remain in the top division at the end of the season.
There is a two-point difference between the three clubs, demonstrating how tight it is. The remaining matchups present a variety of challenges for those involved.
Forest must face Sheffield United before hosting Chelsea for the season’s final home game. Burnley will play Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur in this area before the 17th and 19th-placed teams face off on the season’s last day at Turf Moor.
Meanwhile, 18th-placed Luton Town will face Everton, who mathematically avoided relegation last weekend, West Ham United, and Fulham.
“Sheffield United takes care of itself, they’ve been relegated, tough game,” Dawson began his analysis for Sky Sports. “Then Chelsea on Saturday Night Football.
“Forest stayed up last year after beating Arsenal on a Sky game, and they will look at that thinking that if they can get a result against Sheffield United away from home, beat Chelsea – and you never know with Chelsea, they can turn up and be good, but City Ground, 5:30pm kick-off, that place will be packed. Can they make that night special?
“Then Burnley away; they do not want it to get to the last game. Burnley is only two points behind; they might still be in contention.”
Merson later criticized Forest’s former centre half’s rallying appeal and admittance of hope for the Chelsea match. The ex-Arsenal and England player was asked which club’s fixtures he would rather have in front of him, and he expressed complete faith in Luton while dismissing Dawson’s Chelsea suggestion.
“You would take Luton’s. Everton are safe, as are Fulham and West Ham. I wouldn’t say they’re the easiest fixtures because they haven’t won many games, but if I had to pick them, I’d go with the games.
“Chelsea played fourth in the league last night and absolutely dominated the second half. If they [Luton] win on Friday night, the pressure is on, because I expect them to defeat Fulham on the final day of the season.”
