Game Week 17 Predictions: Straight win Spurs at Forest

Tottenham Hotspur's form and upcoming match against Nottingham Forest.

Nottingham Forest could fire Steve Cooper if they lose to Tottenham on Friday night, what is the fate of the British manager? (Photo credit: Sky Sports)

 Nottingham Forest vs. Tottenham Hotspur

The City Ground.

9:00pm

It’s hard to conclude that Tottenham Hotspur has turned a corner after a run of four losses in five games, but the way they dispatched Newcastle last weekend shows some balls.

Tottenham surrendered their lead at the top with a loss to Chelsea, followed by another back-to-back loss to Wolves and Aston Villa before they played out a sensational 3-3 draw with the champions. West Ham beat Spurs at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium 2-1 right after the entertaining game with City.

Word on the street last weekend was that Steve Cooper was on the verge of losing his job had Nottingham Forest lost to Wolves at the Molineux, but a goal from Harry Toffolo was enough to keep him in the job for another weekend at least.

The 1-1 draw against Wolves was the only positive for Nottingham Forest in five games. Forest lost four on the bounce, and that left them close to the relegation zone. The home loss to Everton and the shocking 5-0 loss at Fulham top the disgust of the owners.

On current form, both sides aren’t too far away from each other, but Nottingham Forest will run away with it if they’re offered the current fortunes of their visitors. Squad quality and league positions are like daylight and midnight; Forest isn’t even in a good place.

Richarlison proved his worth once last weekend, scoring twice and delivering a solid performance to help Spurs past Newcastle. He was helped in the game by Heung Min Son, who chipped in with two assists and a penalty goal, and Pedro Porro’s bullish runs.

Taiwo Awoniyi is still unavailable for the hosts. Joe Worral is excused on personal grounds, as is Scott McKenna, while Murillo is unavailable due to a nasty knock. Forest must find their groove when Tottenham comes to town; excuses won’t be tenable.

Tottenham is limping forward regardless of their injury woes. The number on the treatment table is alarming, but Ange Postecoglou is getting by. His style is strange to many of the players, but he’s managing the ship well.

Expect end-to-end football. Tottenham will score, but you can’t guarantee that they will not concede considering the high line they play. Forest must find ways to exploit the gaps left behind by Spurs to hit them hard. It’s a game to look forward to.

Verdict: Tottenham to win