In recent years, underdogs have repeatedly disrupted the traditional hierarchy to create Premier League history and secure a position among the top European teams in the Champions League.
In the 2022/23 season, Newcastle United took advantage of historic downturns from Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, and Chelsea to secure a top-four position, finishing their two-decade absence from the Champions League.
In the previous term, the Magpies lost their position to Aston Villa, who defeated Spurs in the battle for a top four finish to rejoin Europe’s elite club competition after more than thirty years.
That trend appears likely to persist this season, as Nottingham Forest is on track to obtain Champions League football for the first time in 44 years.
The two-time European champions have had a fantastic season under Nuno Espirito Santo’s guidance, exceeding expectations to position themselves as the 2024/25 unexpected team.
The Tricky Trees secured a decisive 3-0 victory against the relegation-threatened Wolverhampton Wanderers last weekend, bringing them level on points with second-place Arsenal in the Premier League standings.
The two teams trail six points behind league leaders Liverpool, positioning Nuno’s overperformers squarely in a three-way contest for the Premier League championship.
The Portuguese coach has understandably minimized his team’s prospects of achieving the extraordinary, yet they could still be contenders if they secure a double against Liverpool on Tuesday.
There’s still a significant journey ahead, so discussions about the title may seem ambitious, but Forest is confident in their ability to secure a top-four finish.
Nevertheless, they should be cautious of the challenge posed by Newcastle United and the current champions Manchester City, who are building momentum, trailing Nuno’s team by five and six points, respectively.
Following their match with the league leaders, Forest face a string of advantageous fixtures, going up against Southampton, Bournemouth, Brighton & Hove Albion, and Fulham.
To achieve their European aspirations at the cost of Newcastle and Man City, they must gather as many points as they can before facing a daunting challenge.
Following their match against Fulham, Forest will face Newcastle, Arsenal, and Man City in a row, and this stretch might shape their season.
Nonetheless, if they come through the trial by fire unhurt, then there’s no justification for the Tricky Trees not to regain their place among Europe’s top teams by the season’s conclusion.
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