Overview

• Nottingham Forest faces Brentford at the City Ground on Thursday, a crucial game in hand that could elevate them to third place in the Premier League standings.
• Manager Nuno Espirito Santo has called the final five matches of the season the most important of his players’ careers, as they aim for their first Champions League qualification in over four decades.
• Forest welcomes back Neco Williams and Ryan Yates from suspension, while Ola Aina’s calf injury remains under assessment ahead of Thursday's match.
• The team is recovering from a 2-0 FA Cup semi-final loss to Manchester City, with Nuno urging players to focus on their remaining league fixtures.
• Only five points separate third-placed Newcastle United and seventh-placed Aston Villa, highlighting the tight race for Champions League qualification.