Williams thrilled with form for club and country
Nottingham Forest full-back Neco Williams is heading into Wales' World Cup qualifying double-header full of confidence.
Williams has joined up with the Wales for their qualification double-header against Kazakhstan and North Macedonia.
Forest are third in the Premier League, while Wales are on a six-match unbeaten run under Craig Bellamy.
"Club football is going really good at the minute," Williams said.
"We're third in the league, so we're obviously doing something right.
"And then going on to international level, I think we haven't obviously lost a game since the new manager's come in.
"It's been a great campaign so far, and at the minute now we're just looking to take that into the World Cup qualifiers."
Williams thrilled with form for club and country
Nottingham Forest full-back Neco Williams is heading into Wales' World Cup qualifying double-header full of confidence.
Williams has joined up with the Wales for their qualification double-header against Kazakhstan and North Macedonia.
Forest are third in the Premier League, while Wales are on a six-match unbeaten run under Craig Bellamy.
"Club football is going really good at the minute," Williams said.
"We're third in the league, so we're obviously doing something right.
"And then going on to international level, I think we haven't obviously lost a game since the new manager's come in.
"It's been a great campaign so far, and at the minute now we're just looking to take that into the World Cup qualifiers."
Nuno: No need to change approach in bid for CL
Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo says it does not make sense to change his approach as his side close in on Champions League qualification.
Forest took a huge step towards finishing in the top four of the Premier League with a 1-0 win over Manchester City last week, and face relegation-threatened Ipswich on Saturday.
“The message is that we don’t have to change anything,” he said.
“We have to approach the games the same way we have been doing all season.
“Everything is going to be decided now so all the teams are going to be ready to go and we have to be ready to compete against Ipswich.
“We have been going game by game, day by day. This is what we believe is the best way to approach every game until the end.”
Forest were recently taken to penalties in the FA Cup by Ipswich, with Nuno adding: “First, the big challenge is Ipswich. That is the main challenge we have ahead of us.
“They are a tough team. We know how hard it was against them in the FA Cup, because we only achieved it by penalties.
“They have quality players and they play good football. They are intense and we expect a very tough match at their home.”
Nuno: We have a lot of options for England squad
Nuno Espirito Santo says England manager Thomas Tuchel does not need to look much further than his Nottingham Forest squad for possible options.
Tuchel will name a 26-man squad on Friday for his first games since taking over from Gareth Southgate.
Morgan Gibbs-White, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Elliot Anderson have all been key players in Forest’s incredible season which sees them among the favourites to earn Champions League qualification while Ryan Yates is having an impressive campaign.
The German has been spotted watching several Forest games since he started in January, while his assistant Anthony Barry was at the City Ground to watch the 1-0 win over Manchester City which saw Gibbs-White set up Hudson-Odoi.
Gibbs-White is a strong contender to be in the squad considering he was part of the set-up before Christmas but call-ups for Hudson-Odoi and Anderson could be less likely.
“I think we have a lot of English players that are options for the English squad, Elliot is among those,” Nuno added.
“I still believe he has the ability to be versatile and play in different positions.
“It has been proven with his age, it only can make him better for the future, being able to play more than one position on the pitch.
“It is a thing a squad needs in its players and Elliot can do that.”
Forest team news: No major injury concerns
Nottingham Forest will only be without Carlos Miguel against Ipswich.
The backup goalkeeper has a muscle injury that he sustained in February.
Nuno Espirito Santo has a full squad of outfield players to choose from.
"It’s very good," he said. "It gives us options and solutions. Having everyone available is nice to see no one in the doctors."
Nuno: Hudson-Odoi has improved a lot
Nuno Espirito Santo says Nottingham Forest winger Callum Hudson-Odoi has been improving this season.
Hudson-Odoiscored Forest's goal in their 1-0 win over Manchester City last weekend.
Nuno said: “A lot of aspects in this game have been improving. He is versatile to both wings, he has been adaptable and really performing well.
“His defensive tasks are always there. I believe there are a lot of things he can do better in terms of assists and goals, they are always things you want to improve.”
Merse: Why Chelsea game could be key to Forest's CL hopes
Paul Merson is predicting a "10-game shootout" for the Premier League's Champions League places and says Nottingham Forest's final-day meeting with Chelsea could be decisive.
The Premier League is guaranteed four Champions League spots but currently tops the co-efficient table. The top two countries in the co-efficient race get an extra spot, which would mean fifth goes into the Champions League too.
Merson had his say on the race for qualification, with only five points separating fifth-placed Man City and 10th-placed Fulham, and also made his prediction for who will make the top four.
"Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea could be a shoot-out on the last day of the season," Merson told Sky Sports. "Who'd have thought when the fixtures came out? That could be the biggest game of the final day.
"You'd be shocked if Manchester City didn't get in. I'll go Liverpool, Arsenal, Forest and City.
"You're fighting for fifth. Chelsea have a chance if they can beat Arsenal this weekend. You can't afford a draw and a loss on the bounce now, that's goodnight. There are so many teams chasing and all of them can win two on the trot.
"Brighton are in it, they are rolling, they have momentum. But this weekend against Manchester City is big. It's a 10-game shoot-out for all these teams and the table can change like the wind."
City Ground renovations update
Work could begin on Nottingham Forest's City Ground stadium redevelopment next season.
Nuno Espirito Santo's side are currently third in the Premier League and could be playing in the Champions League next season.
The proposals would see the Peter Taylor Stand replaced with a 10,000-capacity stand, with a club statement adding: “We will consult with season-card holders who have seats in the Peter Taylor Stand regarding their relocation, if and when appropriate.”
The City Ground has a current capacity of just over 30,400.
Dominguez's key role for Forest
Sky Sports' Adam Bate:
"Impressed by Nico Dominguez's defensive work against Manchester City. He made eight tackles but that was the tip of the iceberg - pressuring the opposition on 82 separate occasions as he helped support the defenders in dealing with City's wingers.
"Wrote about that as part of The Debrief column this week."
Mikel Merino's limitations as a striker costing Arsenal, Cole Palmer's form and Nico Dominguez's unseen Forest work
Sky Sports
Independent Board dismisses Forest appeal following misconduct comments
An independent Appeal Board has dismissed an appeal by Nottingham Forest in relation to misconduct for comments posted on social media after the Premier League game involving Everton on April 21 last year.
Forest felt they should have been awarded three penalties during the defeat, and after the game posted on their official X account: "Three extremely poor decisions - three penalties not given - which we simply cannot accept.
"We warned the PGMOL that the VAR [Stuart Attwell] is a Luton fan before the game but they didn't change him. Our patience has been tested multiple times. NFFC will now consider its options."
Forest were in a relegation battle with Luton last season, but ultimately stayed up, while the Hatters were relegated.
The FA alleged that the comments posted on social media constituted improper conduct by implying bias and/or questioning the integrity of the match official(s) and/or the video assistant referee and/or bringing the game into disrepute.
Forest denied the charge but an independent Regulatory Commission found it to be proven and imposed a £750,000 fine.
The Appeal Board has also dismissed a subsequent appeal in relation to both liability and sanction, and has ordered the club to remove the social media post.
Nottingham Forest have deleted the post. The post was viewed more than 40 million times before it was deleted.
Hudson-Odoi not looking at table as Forest hunt Champions League spot
Nottingham Forest matchwinner Callum Hudson-Odoi says he is not looking at the Premier League table despite the 1-0 win over Manchester City.
Hudson-Odoi earned Forest a famous victory against the defending champions to strengthen their grip on a Champions League qualification place.
They moved five points clear of City and with 10 games to go they are looking a good bet to make it into the premier European competition next season.
But Hudson-Odoi said: “We take it game by game, we are not looking at the table.
“We just look at every game that comes and make sure we get the points we can and play the way we can play and get as many points as possible.
“Hopefully we remain where we are, it’s important we keep going.”
The former Chelsea winger was the hero with an 82nd-minute winner that caught City goalkeeper Ederson out at the near post.
“It’s an amazing game, it was very tough, buy I am happy to get the win, buzzing with the goal, buzzing with the win, just an amazing day,” he added on BBC Radio Nottingham.
“We have got to keep working hard every day, every game that comes we have to make sure we are ready and we have to keep getting the wins and the points.
“The team worked hard, they deserved the win.”
Nuno shows off dance moves after win over Man City!
Nottingham Forest head coach Nuno Espirito Santo showed off his dance moves after watching his side beat Manchester City.
FREE MATCH HIGHLIGHTS: NOTTM FOREST 1-0 MAN CITY
Fundamental Forest frustrate Man City
Sky Sports' Patrick Rowe:
The overwhelming feeling from Nuno Espirito Santo's press conference was that of pride and joy - but he was quick to point out the key reasons behind the win.
"Organisation and help were fundamental," he said. And he is not wrong.
Forest sat deep inside their own half and frustrated City. Suffocating any space for the likes of Phil Foden and Bernardo Silva to operate in and denying Erling Haaland the ball whenever possible.
That frustration spilled over and into City's display in front of goal. When they were not speculatively trying their luck from distance, they were snapping at chances that the likes of Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne would dispatch in years gone by.
At the other end, Forest flooded forward with pace, intent and when it mattered, a degree of composure.
This City side are a shadow of their former selves but that should not take away from the outfit they faced today.
Forest find themselves in third place because they are, as Pep Guardiola correctly pointed out, very good.
Nuno: Just enjoy the moment!
Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo has refused to comment on Champions League qualification chances and insisted that everyone involved should keep "enjoying" the moment.
Forest opened up a four-point gap on Manchester City in fourth thanks to their 1-0 victory over Pep Guardiola's side at the City Ground on Saturday.
"We are happy! Very happy. We did a good game against a tough team," he said.
Nottingham Forest 1-0 Man City: Callum Hudson-Odoi's late strike settles crucial game in fight for Champions League
Sky Sports
"The organisation and help were fundamental. I am proud and happy.
"Doesn't change anything. It is about the focus and let's enjoy the journey together. Players are doing amazing and the fans are giving help. Keep on enjoying!
"This gives you the confidence that you can compete with such good players. It allows us to grow but it doesn't change. The Premier League is very tough.
"It is very difficult to stop City. It was good but there are still things to improve."
Report: Hudson-Odoi goal sinks Man City in crucial game for Forest
Nottingham Forest 1-0 Man City: Callum Hudson-Odoi's late strike settles crucial game in fight for Champions League
Sky Sports
Nuno expected to ring changes for City clash
Nuno Espirito Santo made six changes for Nottingham Forest's FA Cup penalty shootout win against Ipswich on Monday, and the likes of Chris Wood, Morgan Gibbs-White, Elliot Anderson and Neco Williams are all expected to return to the starting line-up.
'City boosted by signings'
Nottingham Forest lost 3-0 at the Etihad Stadium in December and Nuno Espirito Santo believes Man City’s January signings and the return of players from injury makes them an even tougher proposition this time round.
Omar Marmoush, Vitor Reis, Abdukodir Khusanov and Nico Gonzalez all arrived in the latest transfer window for a combined total of around £190m.
“All the teams have been suffering absences and when the moment comes that players start returning, the adjustment that they make to their own squad, they look better. We expect it to be much harder,” Nuno said.
The Portuguese refused to be drawn on the reasons behind City’s decline this season and insisted Guardiola remains as influential as ever.
Nuno added: “Pep is one of the coaches who has had a direct impact on the game. His ideas and the way he approaches (his work) and tries to build his teams.
“He has a big impact and he’s contagious to older managers because they see new things and different things.
“We’ve faced each other many times and it’s always about the players at the end of the day, the ability of the players to make the manager’s ideas work.
“More than anything it’s the quality of the players we are going to face and we have to control them and at the same time exploit our strengths and go for the game.”
Nothing changes – Nuno won’t switch up approach for Man City clash
Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo says his side will approach Saturday’s visit of Premier League champions Manchester City as they would any other game.
Forest, who sit third in the table, face a fourth-placed City side desperate to salvage their season as the race for top-four finish gathers pace.
Forest will move four points clear of Pep Guardiola’s side with victory at the City Ground, where they have not been beaten since November.
Nuno said: “The approach is the same. Nothing changes.
“You have to realise that you’re going to play a very, very good team, a team that has been able to clearly dominate in the last years, a coach that has a big impact on the game and fantastic players.
“But it’s the same approach. It’s realising how hard it’s going to be, but at the same time with the joy of the moment.
“It’s going to be even more difficult than it was before (in the away fixture).”
Nuno: Home support crucial in chase for Champions League qualification
Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo says the club's partisan home support remains crucial in their bid for Champions League football.
Forest have lost only twice at the City Ground in the Premier League this season and are unbeaten there since November, while six of their remaining 11 fixtures are at home.
The Portuguese, whose side sit third in the table, one place and a point above Saturday's visitors Manchester City, said: "I honestly believe that the players feel comfortable playing at the City Ground.
"Some of them are just anxious to play at the City Ground. They enjoy it so much and that reflects on the performance of the team.
"More than anything, it's the fans. The noise, the atmosphere, the help that they give us, the extra run that they make us do, the noise that they make when the opponent has the ball.
"All these things come together. It is huge for us to play at the City Ground."
Yates keen to help Forest reach Wembley after FA Cup win over Ipswich
Nottingham Forest captain Ryan Yates says their run to the FA Cup quarter-finals will only be worthwhile if they can turn it into a Wembley date.
Forest overcame Ipswich in the last 16 after Matz Sels saved Jack Taylor’s final spot-kick to set up a last-eight clash with Brighton.
It was the second time in the tournament that Forest have progressed on penalties after needing them against League One Exeter in round four.
Forest’s brilliant season sees them contending for cup glory as well as being in the hunt for Champions League football via their Premier League standing.
Yates told Forest TV: “If we win the next one it’s a nice cup run.
“A day out at Wembley. I think a lot of the so-called bigger teams are out and an opportunity for someone when it comes round, an exciting one.
“We were really pushing for the winner, made some really attacking subs but we couldn’t quite get the winner.
“Selsy managed to get the win for us but credit to the lads, the penalties were so good.”