Over the past couple of years, underdogs have taken turns gatecrashing the established order to make Premier League history and earn a spot among the European elites in the Champions League.
In 2022/23, Newcastle United capitalised on unprecedented collapses from Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, and Chelsea to earn a top-four finish, ending their 20-year exile from the Champions League.
Last term, the Magpies vacated their spot for Aston Villa, who beat Spurs in the top four race to return to Europe’s premier club competition for the first time in over three decades.
That trend looks set to continue this season, with Nottingham Forest on course to secure Champions League football for the first time in 44 years.
The two-time European champions have enjoyed an excellent campaign under Nuno Espirito Santo’s leadership, defying the odds to establish themselves as the 2024/25 surprise package.
The Tricky Trees picked up a comprehensive 3-0 win over relegation-threatened Wolverhampton Wanderers last weekend to go level on points with second-placed Arsenal in the Premier League table.
The two sides are six points behind table-toppers Liverpool, placing Nuno’s overachievers firmly in a three-horse race for the Premier League title.
The Portuguese manager has inevitably played down his side’s chances of achieving the unthinkable, but they could be in the mix if they complete the double against Liverpool on Tuesday.
There’s still a long way to go, so title talks might be a bit of a stretch, but Forest will back themselves to finish in the top four.
However, they need to be wary of the threat from Newcastle United and reigning champions Manchester City, who are gaining momentum, sitting five and six points behind Nuno’s side, respectively.
After their date with the league leaders, Forest have a favourable run of fixtures, squaring off against Southampton, Bournemouth, Brighton & Hove Albion, and Fulham.
To secure their European dream at the expense of Newcastle and Man City, they’d need to pick up as many points as possible before going through a baptism of fire.
After visiting Fulham, Forest take on Newcastle, Arsenal, and Man City in consecutive games, and that sequence could define their campaign.
However, if they emerge unscathed from the trial of fire, then there’s no reason why the Tricky Trees can’t reclaim their spot among Europe’s elite at the end of the season.
Read more: Jeff Stelling makes bold Nottingham Forest prediction on talkSPORT
