Nottingham Forest made history on Thursday as they reached a European semi-final for the first time since 1984 after beating Porto 2-1 on aggregate in the Europa League.
But, somehow, Sunday’s Premier League meeting with Burnley feels just as big, if not bigger.
The race to avoid the drop is heating up, and Sunday’s result against Burnley could prove decisive for Forest come mid-May.
With Tottenham Hotspur being held to a draw at home to Brighton & Hove Albion yesterday, the Reds could extend their gap to the drop zone to five points with victory over the Clarets.
Doing so would also guarantee that West Ham stay a place below Forest, regardless of their result away to Crystal Palace on Monday.
The Clarets are technically in the battle too, but look all but down. They will arrive on Trentside knowing that they are in last-chance saloon, as defeat at the City Ground could see them relegated if the Hammers avoid defeat tomorrow.
What is known for sure is that Nicolo Savona, Willy Boly, and John Victory will not feature at the City Ground.
The latter two have completed individual sessions of late, but are not expected to feature yet, while it remains to be seen whether Savona will play again this season.
Then come the question marks, of which there are a fair few.
Firstly, Elliot Anderson remains a doubt after the tragic passing of his mum, Helen, last week, which understandably saw him absent from Thursday‘s win over Porto.
After the game, Forest boss Vitor Pereira offered his condolences to the England international, insisting that everyone at the club is there to support him, and said they will wait and see whether he is in a position to return against Burnley.
“It’s a very sad situation,” Pereira said*. “Everybody played with Elliot in their heart. They’re thinking about him.*
“My condolences to his family, and we are here to help him. We will see whether he can play in the next game.”
Chris Wood was substituted in the first half against Porto due to an issue with his knee, though not the same knee he had surgery on late last year.
Though fans initially feared the worst, Pereira and the New Zealand striker have both played down fears, with the Portuguese head coach hoping to have Wood available on Sunday to face his former club.
Callum Hudson-Odoi and Murillo were also substituted with issues, in the second half, adding to Pereira’s woes.
The latter looked to have somewhat recovered by the time his number was held up, so much so he did not realise he was being subbed initially, and Pereira hopes he too will be fit to face Burnley.
There are more fears over the extent of Hudson-Odoi’s injury, however, after the 25-year-old went straight down the tunnel in tears.
Video here on Hudson-Odoi leaving the City Ground.
Worrying scenes for the winger.#NFFC pic.twitter.com/4ZGypVanF4
— Thomas Gibson (@TomGibsonJourno) April 16, 2026
Such fears were only elevated when he was seen leaving the City Groun on crutches, and Pereira admitted that: “It’s a muscle injury which is the bad news”
Burnley
Burnley also arrive at the City Ground depleted, with Connor Roberts remaining unavailable, having suffered a serious Achilles injury during the summer.
At a similar time, Zeki Amdouni suffered an ACL injury, though the Swiss international has now resumed training. A return against Forest feels premature, even as Burnley's desperation reaches its ceiling, with Parker revealing they will "make a call on that".
Parker also confirmed that, despite returning to training, Hannibal Mejbri will not return against Forest, saying: "Hannibal is edging closer but will miss this weekend."
In a boost for the Clarets, however, Josh Laurent is back available for selection having served a one-match ban for a red card in Burnley's match at Fulham last month.
Trent End display
Forza Garibaldi have confirmed that the Trent End will be adorned with sheets of fabric ahead of today's game, which will form a giant mosaic ahead of kick-off.
On every single seat of the Trent End today will be a sheet of material which forms part of a whole stand mosaic.
These are taped down so please be careful when removing them.
At the drum roll for Mull of Kintyre, please hold your sheet up in the landscape position.
Thanks🧣 pic.twitter.com/CjtaQ6gbem
— Forza Garibaldi (@Forza_Garibaldi) April 19, 2026
They have asked that the fabric, taped to every single seat in the stand, be held aloft, in landscape, during Mull of Kintyre.