Tottenham Hotspur face a big challenge on Boxing Day when they visit Nottingham Forest for a Premier League match.
Spurs find themselves well off the pace in the league standings, sitting 11th ahead of this contest. They've lost three of their last four league games as their high-octane style has been found wanting by the likes of title challengers Chelsea and Liverpool in recent weeks.
The North Londoners now face an unexpected occupant of a top four spot in Forest, who have won four of their last five league matches and are now legitimate contenders for a Champions League berth.
Forest are tied for third in the Premier League for goals against so far in the season, and it's their stingy defence that they'll rely upon to try to stop a visiting Spurs side who have scored more goals than every other team in England's top flight through 17 matches.
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Nottingham Forest vs. Tottenham: Head-to-head and recent statistics
- All-time meetings: 84
- Nottingham Forest wins: 24
- Draws: 15
- Tottenham wins: 45
Tottenham hold the advantage in all-time meetings, with 45 wins in 84 matches.
The recent history between the sides has been even more lopsided, with Spurs having won the last six Premier League meetings.
Nottingham Forest vs. Tottenham: Team news
Nottingham Forest
- Injured: Sangare, Danilo
- Suspended: Dominguez
Tottenham
- Injured: Vicario, Davies, Romero, Van de Ven, Richarlison, Odobert, Moore
- Suspended: None
Nottingham Forest vs. Tottenham: What the managers are saying
Nuno Espirito Santo, Nottingham Forest
(via BBC.com)
"I'm always confident. Since the beginning and even last season. I'm confident the dedication and commitment can achieve good results. I'm very proud of players working every day, staying humble and recognising we have a lot to improve and a long way to go."
Ange Postecoglou, Tottenham
(via BBC.com)
"If people want me to change my approach — it's not going to change. We're doing it or a reason. We're doing it because we think it'll help us be successful."
Nottingham Forest vs. Tottenham: Prediction
Tottenham's feast-or-famine style doesn't seem like it'll play well at the City Ground, and given Forest's recent form the hosts have to be considered the favourites — but not by a lot.
Prediction: Nottingham Forest 2-1 Tottenham