Nottingham Forest have a huge couple of months ahead of them, with their Premier League status now firmly hanging in the balance after recent results.
The Reds host bottom-of-the-table Wolverhampton Wanderers tonight, with a win desperately needed to bolster the club’s hopes of securing survival.
A victory over Rob Edwards’ side could see the club move five points clear of the relegation zone with just 12 games remaining, which highlights the importance of all three points.
As for manager Sean Dyche, tonight could be a huge night for his tenure at the City Ground, after massive noise around his long-term future emerged in recent days.
Nottingham Forest manager Sean Dyche during the match-1
Evangelos Marinakis has demonstrated that he’s not shy of making managerial changes, which could lead to the owner hunting for a new boss over the next couple of days.
Why Dyche is becoming a man under pressure at Forest
After his appointment back in October, Dyche was tasked with keeping Forest in the Premier League, but there’s no denying he hasn’t hit the heights many expected in the role.
He’s taken charge of 24 matches to date, winning 10 and losing 10, but it’s the manner of the defeats and lack of quality performances which have ramped up the pressure on his shoulders.
Last Friday’s defeat away at Leeds United was the latest example of the dismal period led by the 54-year-old, with the Reds simply outclassed by their relegation rivals.
It’s been reported over the last couple of days that Dyche could be handed his marching orders this week, if his men fail to secure all three points on home soil this evening.
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The Reds have only won two of their last nine games in England’s top-flight, which highlights why the manager is becoming under increasing pressure at present.
A late change in manager would no doubt be a huge risk for Forest, but it’s a gamble the club could take to ensure their ability to beat the drop come the end of May.
The manager Forest could hire to replace Dyche
Whilst Dyche is still currently in the role in the East Midlands, noise around a manager’s future usually signals the beginning of the end, with their departure a matter of when, not if.
Should he be dismissed, the 54-year-old would be the Reds’ third manager to be handed his marching orders, after Nuno Espírito Santo and Ange Postecoglou were both relieved of their duties.
The prospect of a fourth manager would be a baffling one given last season’s success, but it remains to be seen who could be handed the role at the City Ground.
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Thomas Frank is one option the club could turn to given his recent sacking from Tottenham Hotspur, with the Dane having huge experience in the Premier League.
However, the hierarchy should look past a move for the recently sacked boss and put all of their efforts into securing a move for former Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi.
Olympique de Marseille coach Roberto De Zerbi reacts
The 46-year-old, who spent two years in charge of the Seagulls, most recently managed Marseille in France, but it was confirmed earlier this week that he would be leaving the Ligue 1 side and is subsequently free to move elsewhere.
The Italian managed to achieve a 57% win record during his 69 matches in charge, helping the club finish second behind PSG during the 2024/25 campaign.
De Zerbi, who most commonly utilises a 4-2-3-1 system, has also been on the radar of Manchester United in recent times, with such an appointment likely being an ambitious one for Marinakis.
Despite the rumours over a move to Old Trafford, he’s previously been admired by staff in the East Midlands, which could open the door to a possible appointment.
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However, during his previous spell in England, he’s demonstrated his ability to thrive in such a division, which would no doubt make him an upgrade on current boss, Dyche.
The Italian, who’s been labelled a “genius” by Statman Dave, previously led the Seagulls to their maiden European campaign, with his underlying numbers in the Premier League making for good reading.
Roberto De Zerbi - PL career
Statistics
Games managed
Wins
Draws
Losses
Goals scored
Goals against
Points per game
He’s achieved a better win rate than the current Reds boss in such a division, whilst averaging more goals scored per game - something which Forest have massively struggled with in 2025/26.
De Zerbi has also managed to lose a smaller percentage of his games in charge, whilst achieving a better point per game record - a stat which could be vital to Forest come the end of the season.
It remains to be seen if the former Brighton boss would be interested in a move to the City Ground, but if Dyche is sacked, he’s the calibre of manager the board should be hunting for.
Tonight’s clash against Wolves appears to be make or break for the 54-year-old, with any failure to secure all three points undoubtedly making a move for the Italian a distinct possibility.
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