Can Steve Cooper’s Nottingham Forest Avoid the Drop Again?

After a long absence from the top tier, Nottingham Forest was promoted back to the English Premier League in 2022, and the Reds managed to avoid an instant return to the EFL Championship. Can Steve Cooper’s men stay up this term?

Fierce EPL Relegation Battle Expected

The Premier League relegation battle is always fascinating, but this year’s scrap promises to be as entertaining as ever. It may be exciting for the neutrals, but battling relegation is nail-biting for the clubs involved. For those wanting a bet on the Premier League, Forest is priced at +550 to be relegated and -1400 to stay up. Other notable Premiership relegation odds are Luton Town at -450, and Sheffield United at +170.

The three promoted teams could struggle. However, Burnley is hoping to stay up under the popular Vicent Kompany. Everton could have another tough season, while the likes of Wolverhampton Wanderers, Bournemouth, and Fulham may be in the relegation picture this season.

Forest Wins at the Bridge

Nottingham Forest has already picked up an eye-catching result at the start of the 2023-24 EPL season. Before the first international break, the Reds made the trip to London to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Back home a week today #MondayMotivation ❤️ pic.twitter.com/cZlkuJNGxW

— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) September 11, 2023

Exciting times lie ahead for Chelsea under new boss Mauricio Pochettino, and there have been signs of improvement in the early stages. However, Nottingham Forest went on to secure a stunning win at the Bridge.

After a goalless first half, Forest needed just three minutes of second-half action to find a breakthrough. Chelsea had over 75% possession but only managed two shots on target. The Blues huffed and puffed, but the Reds held on for a famous 1-0 win.

Nottingham Forest pushed Arsenal close in game one, narrowly losing 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium. They were also 2-0 up at Old Trafford but lost 3-2. They went into the first international break of the season having won two and lost two of four EPL matches.

Reds Avoid an Instant Return to the Championship

Nottingham Forest was tipped for an instant return to the Championship after winning promotion from the second tier at the end of the 2021-22 campaign.

Despite a few moments of struggle, Nottingham Forest defied the odds and kept themselves in the Premier League. Forest finished in 16th spot with 38 points to their name after nine wins, 11 draws, and 18 defeats.

Cooper’s side picked up some memorable wins along the way. At the City Ground, they beat Liverpool, Brighton & Hove Albion, and Arsenal. They also held Manchester City to a 1-1 draw.

The City Ground was a real fortress, with eight of Forest’s nine league wins coming on home soil. In contrast, they had the worst away record in the 2022-23 Premier League.

The club may be aiming a little higher this time around, but staying in the top tier is Nottingham Forest’s ultimate ambition. They have looked solid so far, giving Arsenal and Man United a scare and seeing off Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Best conversion rate in the Premier League:

West Ham – 18.4%
Man City – 16.2%
Nottingham Forest – 15.8%
Aston Villa – 14.8%
Brighton – 14.5% pic.twitter.com/UjGcNKNdyV

— PremStat (@prem_stat) September 10, 2023

Nottingham Forest looks well-equipped to have a strong season in the EPL, and they could even finish in the top half of the table.

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