With the bottom eight teams in the Premier League table separated by just six points, it is difficult to overstate the importance of Sunday's clash between Nottingham Forest and Leeds United.
As it stands, Forest find themselves three points above Leeds, who sit one point clear of the relegation zone, so both sides will be desperate to pick up a positive result at the City Ground.
Match preview
© Reuters
It is no secret that Nottingham Forest endured a difficult start to the season as they struggled to adapt to the demands of top-flight football, winning just one of their first 11 Premier League matches after gaining promotion via the playoffs.
Following a damaging five-game losing run between August and October, it looked as though Steve Cooper's side were destined for a swift return to the Championship, but they have gradually turned the tide over the past few months.
Indeed, the Tricky Trees have only lost two of their previous 10 Premier League outings – picking up four wins and four draws along the way – and they head into Sunday's showdown on a four-game unbeaten streak in the league.
On top of that, Forest have avoided defeat in each of their last six home games in the Premier League – winning three of their previous five – with a victory over Liverpool and a draw against Chelsea coming in that time.
The East Midlands outfit conceded a whopping 21 goals across their opening eight league matches, scoring just six in reply, but they have only conceded 14 goals in their past 12 league outings, highlighting their defensive improvements.
Although Forest suffered a 5-0 aggregate defeat to Manchester United in the EFL Cup semi-finals earlier this week, Cooper's men will be confident of bouncing straight back against Leeds, having generated some much-needed momentum in the Premier League.
© Reuters
In contrast, Leeds United made a bright start to the campaign – registering two wins, three draws and two losses across their first seven Premier League matches – but they failed to build on their promising early-season form.
After suffering four consecutive league defeats in October, the Whites briefly stopped the rot with back-to-back victories over Liverpool and Bournemouth, but they have failed to find a league win since then, recording three draws and three losses in the process.
The FA Cup has served as a welcome distraction from their Premier League struggles in recent weeks, as Leeds thrashed Cardiff City 5-2 in a third-round replay before booking their place in the last 16 with a 3-1 win against Accrington Stanley.
That said, it will not be easy for Jesse Marsch's men to carry their FA Cup form onto the top-flight stage, as they have managed to win just two of their last 16 Premier League encounters, losing seven of their previous 12.
Having registered one win, two draws and six losses away from home, Leeds have only taken five points from a possible 27 on their travels this season, meaning they hold the second-worst away record in the division.
Marsch's men can take confidence from the fact that they have scored more away goals than nine Premier League teams this term, although Forest have kept three clean sheets in their last five home league games, preventing Liverpool, Crystal Palace and Leicester City from scoring.
Team News
© Reuters
Following another flurry of arrivals at the City Ground, Forest could hand debuts to Jonjo Shelvey, Andrew Ayew and Felipe this weekend, although the newcomers are not likely to feature in the starting XI.
However, Paris Saint-Germain loanee Keylor Navas is expected to start between the sticks for the hosts, as Dean Henderson remains sidelined with a hamstring problem.
Forest's lengthy injury list also contains Morgan Gibbs-White, Taiwo Awoniyi, Cheikhou Kouyate and Moussa Niakhate, while there are question marks over the fitness of Ryan Yates, Chris Wood and Jack Colback due to illness.
Renan Lodi and Serge Aurier should occupy the full-back positions on Sunday, with Brazilian youngster Danilo sitting in front of the back four, allowing the likes of Brennan Johnson and Gustavo Scarpa to roam forward.
Leeds also made a number of notable signings during the winter transfer window, bringing in Maximilian Wober, Georginio Rutter and Weston McKennie, with the latter yet to feature for the club.
With Rodrigo expected to be out for around two months following ankle surgery, Rutter could make his Premier League debut on Sunday, having started against Accrington Stanley in the FA Cup last time out.
Adam Forshaw, Crysencio Summerville and Stuart Dallas remain sidelined due to injury, while Robin Koch is suspended after picking up five yellow cards, so Junior Firpo is likely to replace Koch in the starting XI.
Nottingham Forest possible starting lineup:
Navas; Aurier, Worrall, Boly, Lodi; Danilo, Freuler, Mangala; Scarpa; Johnson, Surridge
Leeds United possible starting lineup:
Meslier; Ayling, Wober, Struijk, Firpo; Adams, Roca; Aaronson, Gnonto, Harrison; Bamford
We say: Nottingham Forest 1-1 Leeds United
Having avoided defeat in each of their previous six home league matches, Nottingham Forest will be confident of extending their unbeaten run at the City Ground, but the hosts might have to settle for a draw this weekend.
Leeds United have netted six goals across their last four away league outings, scoring two at Anfield and three at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, so they are more than capable of frustrating their relegation rivals.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
