Nottingham Forest know their visit to the capital this weekend also represents a trip to the last-chance saloon.
The Reds are guaranteed to be playing in Europe next season, it just remains to be determined which competition. They would love it to be the Champions League but are well aware securing the top-five finish required is out of their own hands.
To have any chance of making it, Forest really need to win their final two games and hope other results go their way. Head coach Nuno Espirito Santo is focused on ticking off the first part of that equation, insisting his players are prepared to “really go for it” against West Ham United on Sunday (2.15pm kick-off).
“The mindset is simple, this is our last opportunity to try to fight for Champions League. It is as clear as that,” said the Portuguese in his pre-match press conference.
“We are talking about something so huge for us that everyone in the club has to give the extra effort to achieve it. Us, as a group of professionals, we are focused and we are determined. We are preparing ourselves, training hard, assessing the players and finding solutions.
“We want to play. We want to give it a go - a really good go. This is what the players want. The players don’t want distractions, they want to play and fight for something huge. Here at the club, we are aware that this game means a lot.”
The Reds have picked up just one win in their last six Premier League games. They were left kicking themselves at not claiming all three points against relegated Leicester City last weekend, instead having to settle for a 2-2 draw.
Get breaking Forest news sent direct to your phone
Join our Nottingham Forest WhatsApp group and get the latest breaking news, interviews and opinion sent straight to your phone, plus matchday team news and live updates of all the action. Just click here and select ‘Join Community’ to get started. The only proviso is that you must have WhatsApp on your phone to participate. No one will be able to see your personal information and you will only receive messages from the NottinghamshireLive Reds writers.
We will not spam your WhatsApp feed with constant messages, but you will receive updates from us daily with the latest Reds stories. If you later decide to opt out, just go to the name at the top of your screen and click 'Exit Group'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. If you are curious, you can click here to read our Privacy Notice.
More than the result, though, the aftermath of that game was dominated by concern for Taiwo Awoniyi. The striker sustained a serious abdominal injury when he collided with a post in the final minutes at the City Ground and is currently recovering in hospital after undergoing two operations.
All in, it has been something of a tough week Trentside and Nuno has admitted preparations have been difficult. However, he is clear Forest have an obligation to put any of their worries and disappointment to one side and concentrate on getting a result against the Hammers.
“What is really important now is the game against West Ham. All of the club has to be focused on the big task ahead of us because we are fighting for something huge,” he said.
“It (the Leicester game) has impacted us - the disappointment of the result and the performance. We had the game controlled; it should be our game.
“Of course there is sadness, but we are aware of that. What is the solution? Regroup and Let’s go together again.
“We are reliant on our cohesion a lot because that is our main pillar - the way we protect ourselves and the way we help each other. It has been building every day among the squad. In this moment of sadness and worrying, this is the moment we need each other more and are more together.”
As it stands, seventh-placed Forest are one point below Chelsea and Aston Villa in the Premier League table. They face the Blues at the City Ground on the final day of the campaign, in what could prove to be a decisive clash in the Champions League battle.
Winger Callum Hudson-Odoi and defender Murillo are doubts to face the Hammers. Both have been sidelined with hamstring problems, although the latter part-trained in the build-up to the Leicester match.
How should Forest line up against West Ham? Click HERE to have your say