'Forest have a fine chance to save themselves the traditional way'

The next 10 days will be some of the most important in Nottingham Forest’s recent history but Nuno Espirito Santo’s side still have the chance to write their own future.

The club’s appeal against their four-point deduction for breaking profit and sustainability rules will take place next week, in the aftermath of Sunday’s vital showdown at Everton.

Just a point separates the sides, who are scrapping just above the Premier League’s relegation zone, and, along with court appearances, the game will help determine their survival fates.

Nuno described the situation at the bottom of the Premier League as a “mess” although the league has no control over the appeal dates – including Everton’s after they launched their second one over a two-point penalty this week - as they are in hands of independent commissions.

But regardless of the off-field issues both sides have the opportunity to put some daylight between them and the bottom three.

Everton’s goal difference took a hammering with Monday’s 6-0 defeat at Chelsea, leaving them level on -16 with Forest to further harm their hopes and boost their rivals’, including Luton.

One defeat in five for Nuno’s side, although three of those have been draws, shows there is plenty of fight left in his team.

They also travel to doomed Sheffield United and fellow strugglers Burnley in the final five games – along with the daunting visits of Manchester City and Chelsea.

Forest have a fine chance to save themselves the traditional way – by winning games - notwithstanding what happens in the courts.