Tottenham welcome Nottingham Forest to north London tonight as Ange Postecoglou’s side look to move into the top four. Tottenham sit three points behind Aston Villa, who drew 3-3 at home against Brentford yesterday. Tottenham have two games in hand on Aston Villa including this evening’s game and a win for Postecoglou’s side would take them above Aston Villa on goal difference and into fourth.
Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo returns to his former club tonight. He lasted just 17 matches as the Tottenham manager at the start of the 2021-22 season but his full focus is on getting a good result for his current employers.
“More important is the situation we are in and that we need to keep putting points on the table,” Nuno said. “That is more important for all of us.
“It is going to be a pleasure to return, to play there and to face Spurs. It is part of the past now, I am focused on Forest and am really, really determined to try to achieve a good performance.
“I have learned from all moments of my life and all the experiences I have had. They (Spurs) are some also. In the moment it was disappointing but life goes on.”
Nottingham Forest currently sit 17th, above Luton only on goal difference. The pressure is on Nottingham Forest after Luton beat Bournemouth 2-1 yesterday at Kenilworth Road. Defender Willy Boly will miss tonight’s game and they are still unsure of when striker Taiwo Awoniyi will return.
Tottenham are set to be without Richarlison, who took a knock to his knee in the 1-1 draw at West Ham in midweek. In addition to Richarlison, Ryan Sessegnon, Fraser Forster and Manor Solomon are all long-term absentees.
Tottenham won the reverse fixture 2-0 at the City Ground back in December. That was Steve Cooper’s final game in charge of Nottingham Forest, who have lost on their last two visits to Tottenham.
Team news to follow shortly.