Sean Dyche has stressed the importance of mentality and expectations as Nottingham Forest prepare for a crucial Premier League showdown against West Ham tonight, with both sides locked in a tense battle near the bottom of the table.
Softfootball understands that the Forest boss is under increasing pressure to deliver results after a worrying run of form that has seen his side lose four consecutive matches since their emphatic 3-0 win over Tottenham. That victory briefly lifted the mood around the club, but subsequent defeats have dragged Forest back into relegation danger as the season reaches a decisive phase.
With Nottingham Forest currently sitting 17th in the league on 18 points just four points above West Ham, tonight’s encounter carries the feel of a must-win clash for both teams. A positive result could provide much-needed breathing space, while defeat would deepen concerns and intensify scrutiny on the club’s direction under Dyche.
Speaking via the club’s official X handle ahead of the match, Dyche made it clear that the pressure of expectation is nothing new at Forest and that every fixture demands full commitment from his players.
The next one is important without a doubt. So has every game since I have been at this football club. It’s that kind of club, it should be, and I have spoken to the players about it. We have spoken about the expectations.
The Forest manager will be hoping his side can respond on the pitch and rediscover the resilience that earned them vital points earlier in the campaign. With the gap between safety and the relegation zone tightening, tonight’s clash against West Ham could prove pivotal in shaping Nottingham Forest’s fight for Premier League survival.
