Nottingham Forest host Southampton on Sunday at the City Ground, aiming to capitalize on their opponent’s dire Premier League form.
Forest are currently enjoying a seven-game unbeaten streak, with their most recent result a hard-fought draw against Liverpool on Tuesday. In that game, Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels earned high praise from Arne Slot for his exceptional performance.
Southampton, on the other hand, are in freefall. They have suffered four consecutive league defeats and haven’t registered a Premier League win since early November.
The stark contrast between the two teams’ fortunes has led to pundit Clinton Morrison backing Forest for a top-four finish, while Southampton are widely tipped for relegation.
In desperate need of a turnaround, Saints boss Ivan Juric is hoping his side can deliver a performance that disrupts Forest’s momentum and challenges Nuno Espirito Santo’s game plan.
Ivan Juric Calls for “Evil” Mentality Against Forest
Speaking after Southampton’s 3-1 loss to Manchester United, Juric shared his thoughts on what his team needs to succeed at the City Ground:
“There are some moments where you need to be more evil and manage the game differently. […] I’m from Italy and we are the best in the world for mentality and how to win a game.
“There’s a moment where you have to be Italian! Lose time, some fouls, go back a bit more […], we’re missing that.”
Southampton’s defensive struggles have been glaring this season, with 47 goals conceded in the league. In contrast, Forest boast the most clean sheets in the division, thanks in large part to Sels’ impressive work between the posts.
Juric will be looking for his team to adopt the “Italian” mentality he described, but their performance earlier this season against Forest offers little encouragement.
Forest’s Dominance in the Reverse Fixture
When these two sides met in August, Forest came out on top with a 1-0 win at St. Mary’s Stadium, courtesy of a goal from Morgan Gibbs-White.
Interestingly, Gibbs-White faced criticism from Forest fans for his overall performance in that match, but manager Nuno Espirito Santo earned widespread praise for his tactical approach.
Despite Southampton controlling 65% of possession, they managed just one shot on target compared to Forest’s eight. The visitors created an xG of 2.45, highlighting their attacking efficiency.
Forest’s game plan involved precision and discipline. The team completed 25 accurate long balls and delivered five crosses, effectively neutralizing Southampton’s threats.
Defensively, they were solid, winning 11 aerial duels and 45 ground challenges. Sels, protected by a well-organized backline, only needed to make one save.
What to Expect on Sunday
Juric’s emphasis on a more pragmatic and “evil” style could lead to a different dynamic this time around, but Forest will take confidence from their performance in the reverse fixture.
With their solid defensive record and attacking effectiveness, Espirito Santo’s side is well-positioned to extend their unbeaten run and deepen Southampton’s woes.
For Southampton, Sunday represents a chance to rediscover their form, but they’ll need to overcome a Forest side firing on all cylinders. It’s a game that could have significant implications for both teams’ seasons.
