When Nottingham Forest take on Liverpool at the City Ground next week, it will be a top-of-the-table clash that no one could have predicted in August.
Nuno Espirito Santo's side are six points behind the leaders following Monday's 3-0 win over Wolves and victory over the Reds – whom they beat earlier in the season at Anfield – on Tuesday, January 14, will heighten title talk.
After finishing 17th last season, amid chaos off the pitch and being deducted four points for breaching profit and sustainability rules, Nuno has transformed the team.
Only now are questions being asked about their title credentials, a testament to the calm waters at Forest and Nuno's ability to underplay praise.
Even if it was a tongue-in-cheek statement, the coach quipped in his post-match press conference at Molineux that he would not look at the table with Forest in third place, behind Arsenal only on goal difference.
“I don't know, maybe I'll take a look at the end of the season. I promise I will,” he smiled.
“We're trying to build something beautiful together. We have to enjoy the ride, nothing else matters. The schedule doesn't matter. We just keep moving forward.”
However, the Portuguese will not be able to deflect attention or questions for much longer. When asked directly about the Liverpool match, he referred to the visit of Luton in the third round of the FA Cup on Saturday.
He said: “Sorry for not answering your question, but this is the reality. We must prepare well for that match.”
“The FA Cup is important and it's a good opportunity for us in terms of the squad. We can give minutes to the players, because it's a very long season and we need all the players to have minutes. They need to be fit and active.” So rhythm first, Lawton.”
Forest are the only team to beat Liverpool in the Premier League this season, and if they achieve the double over Arne Slott's side, it will be more than just a statement of intent.
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher told Sky Sports: “If they beat Liverpool they will be in the title race.”
“What I would say now is that if the Champions League moves into the top five, they will have a great chance.”
