Nottingham Forest

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Nottingham Forest captain Ryan Yates speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "Yeah it is class and I am just buzzing we got the win. First half we were lacklustre and I am so glad that we got the win, to be honest.

"I think we were naturally growing in the game anyway. They haven't won a lot of games this season but when they get flowing, they can cause problems.

"Our goal killed the momentum and the game opened up and we had space that we exploited with Callum [Hudson-Odoi] and Anthony [Elanga].

"I just love playing football on this stage. It is an absolute, pleasure. Would I rather be mid-table now? Yes. But it is part and parcel of football and it is up to us to get out of it."

On his swimming celebration: "For a long, long time, they have been singing 'If Yatesy scores, we're in the Trent'. Hopefully, they will be bringing that back as it sort of died off! I am just delighted really."

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Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "It is a weird sensation. For the players and especially for the fans. Since I arrived, all the things we have produced on the pitch made us think maybe this moment would come before.

"We reacted really well after Sheffield scored. It says a lot about the character. It is not over. We made good step but it is not over.

"We reacted when Sheffield United scored. We conceded but then went and chased the game. It was important that Callum [Hudson-Odoi] scored before half-time and I think we were dominant in the second half and had more chances to score but it was a good performance."

On Ryan Yates' first Premier League goal: "I am really happy for him. He is an important player for us."

On Willy Boly's return to the starting XI: "He was away too much time, unfortunately. Because of all the things he gives to the team. We missed him."

On the relegation battle: "It is very important that we stick with advantages. It is in our hands and we cannot lose that. We decide our own destiny."

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Sometimes winning is all that matters.

In different circumstances, there might be more focus on the way Nottingham Forest were cut apart and overpowered by Sheffield United in the first half.

But not today. Forest needed three points and that is what they took from Bramall Lane.

Of course, they rode their luck before the break but they also made it count in the second half.

Callum Hudson-Odoi scored with two excellent curling strikes - and was the width of the post away from a hat-trick - while Ryan Yates could hardly have picked a better time to score his first Premier League goal.

The celebrations that followed his powerful effort showed the delight, and no shortage of relief, felt by the Forest players having come from behind.

They were switched on when play resumed, got their third goal and from that point, it was more comfortable.

Discussions on the reasons for such a lacklustre first 45 minutes in a game so important can come in the summer.

Today was about winning and that win means those talks are far more likely to come as part of plans for a third straight year in the Premier League.

• Nottingham Forest picked up their first away Premier League victory since a 3-1 win at Newcastle on Boxing Day, ending their seven-game winless run on the road. Indeed, this was just their fourth away league victory since the start of last season (P37 W4 D9 L24).

• Sheffield United have conceded 100 Premier League goals in 2023-24, the joint-most by a side in a single season in the competition’s history (Swindon also 100 in 42 games in 1993-94), while the last side to concede more in a 38-game top-flight campaign was Leicester City in 1908-09 (102).

• Sheffield United have failed to win any of their last five Premier League games in which they’ve gone 1-0 up, losing each of their last three in a row (D2),

• This was just the third time Nottingham Forest have ever won a Premier League away game having conceded first, also coming from behind to beat Leeds in April 1996 and Newcastle on Boxing Day this season.

• Sheffield United have been shown five red cards in the Premier League this season, their most in a single league campaign since 2010-11 (12 in the Championship).

• Despite not making his debut until late January, no player has scored more Premier League goals for Sheffield United this season than Ben Brereton Díaz (6). However, the Blades have failed to win any of the five games in which he’s found the back of the net (D2 L3).

• Nottingham Forest midfielder Ryan Yates scored his first ever Premier League goal in this game becoming the ninth different player to score in each of England’s top four tiers since the start of the 2017-18 season.

Callum Hudson-Odoi scored twice as Nottingham Forest took a big step towards Premier League survival by beating already-relegated Sheffield United.

Ben Brereton Diaz's penalty put the home side ahead at Bramall Lane before Hudson-Odoi's superb curling effort brought Forest level midway through the first half.

The Blades responded well but missed a host of first-half chances and were punished when Ryan Yates put the visitors ahead with a thumping effort six minutes after the break.

Hudson-Odoi then made sure of a vital three points for Nuno Espirito Santo's side when he cut inside and bent the ball past Blades goalkeeper Wes Foderingham into the far corner.

Were you at the match or did you follow it from elsewhere?

Sheffield United fans - let us know your thoughts on the game here

How did you rate the side's performance, Forest fans?

Follow all of the reaction here

Chris Sutton is making predictions for every Premier League game this season against a variety of guests.

For this weekend's matches, he takes on Kings of Leon drummer Nathan Followill.

Sutton's prediction: 0-2

This has to be seen as an open goal for Nottingham Forest.

They did well against Manchester City last week despite being beaten, but now they need to follow that up with a repeat performance that gets them the result they need.

Forest's focus has to be on how they play, rather than who is the referee or video assistant referee. If they can do that, they should beat a fragile-looking Sheffield United, who are already down.

The Blades played well in the first half against Newcastle last week but capitulated in the end.

With 97 Premier League goals conceded already this season, it looks very likely they will end up passing the century mark there - but will it happen on Saturday?

Nathan's prediction: 0-2

Read all of the predictions here

There are five Premier League matches taking place today and we will keep you updated on all of them.

Full commentary:

• Burnley v Newcastle, 15:00 - BBC Radio 5 Live

• Man City v Wolves, 17:30 - BBC Radio 5 Live

Follow all of the action and reaction here

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Nuno Espirito Santo has been speaking to BBC Radio Nottingham before Nottingham Forest's game against Sheffield United on Saturday and the club's chances of survival.

Forest start the next round of fixtures with a one-point cushion over third-from-bottom Luton, who will climb out of the relegation zone on Friday if they win their game at home to Everton.

On facing the Blades, Forest Nuno said: "It's an very important game. We are aware of the responsibility and what it means for the club. It's in our hands. We go game by game knowing that a win over Sheffield United means that it would be still up to us to decide our own future.

"We don't know exactly how they will turn up in terms of shape. Chris [Wilder] is known for his 3-5-2 but recently there has been a slight change in the previous games. They have been relegated already, so is Chris be preparing his future in terms of player selection for next season? We don't know.

"Let's focus on ourselves and prepare for how we want to play. We want to control the game, we want to be dominant. We must to take positives from our last performance against a really tough team [Manchester City]."

He added: "I believe that the only way we can achieve what we want is by playing good, by fighting and the attitude cannot change."

Listen to the full interview on BBC Sounds

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Mark Clattenburg has announced that he has stepped down from his role as a referee consultant at Nottingham Forest.

The former Premier League referee began working with the club earlier this year.

Clattenburg said in a statement: "I performed my services under the consultancy agreement in good faith, to the best of my abilities and in the hope of using my extensive experience as a match official to help Nottingham Forest understand how decisions in relation to key match incidents are made amid the workings of VAR.

"However, it is now clear that the existence and performance of these consultancy services has caused unintended friction between Forest and other participants, to the extent that it has become more of a hindrance than help to Forest. It has also led to the unmerited targeting of me, personally, by certain participants and pundits."

He added: "I am grateful to Forest and wish them all the best during the remainder of the season and in the future. It's been an honour."

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Anthony Elanga says Nottingham Forest have a "fantastic opportunity to show what we're about" as they bid to secure Premier League safety and a third successive season in the top flight.

Forest are one point above the relegation zone with three games left to play, starting with Saturday's trip to already-relegated Sheffield United.

"It's in our hands," said the former Manchester United winger on BBC Radio Nottingham's Shut Up And Show More Football podcast.

"We've showed this season that we can play. Things haven't gone our way. We've conceded a lot from set-pieces and that's something we want to work on.

"But we've got three games - it's all in our hands and it's exciting.

"These are the moments when you see the players with big personalities stepping up. I certainly want to step up and show that I've got the personality to do that. It's a fantastic opportunity to show what we're about."

Speaking about next opponents Sheffield United, Elanga added: "If you're in the Premier League, you're in there for a reason.

"Even if you're at the bottom, you can still give problems to other teams - so we have to be ready for that, stay focused and make sure we go to Bramall Lane feeling confident."

Listen to the full podcast on BBC Sounds

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As Nottingham Forest wait for their profit and sustainability (PSR) appeal verdict they still have the issue of surviving in the Premier League.

Saturday's trip to relegated Sheffield United represents another chance to put distance between themselves and the bottom three.

Rows over refereeing decisions, VAR and their PSR appeal has taken the heat off poor results this year, which have left them a point above the relegation zone.

Just two wins in 15 has stopped Forest moving away and Nuno Espirito Santo has avoided serious criticism over results.

The performance in Sunday's 2-0 defeat by Manchester City was positive but Forest would take a scrappy victory at Bramall Lane.

Will Premier League survival go down to the last day?

On the latest episode of BBC Nottingham's Shut Up And Show More Football podcast, David Jackson and Colin Fray discuss the relegation fight and what Nottingham Forest need from the remaining three games.

They also catch up with forward Anthony Elanga, who speaks of the "positivity and good vibes" around the team, despite it "not being an easy" season.

Listen in full on BBC Sounds

Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo has spoken to the media before Saturday’s trip to Sheffield United.

Here are the headlines:

• On whether he has any update on their appeal against their four-point penalty for breaching profit and sustainability rules: "Not yet, unfortunately not yet. We’ve been dealing with this situation for a while, we have been expecting it to come sooner so we know exactly how many points we have. Do we have 30, 29, 28, 27? We need it as fast as possible."

• Nuno reiterated his point from last month over his issue with situation at the bottom of the league: "It’s a mess. They had time enough. It’s a mess. It’s very difficult not only for us but for the league. It’s very hard to be in this situation."

• On the audio of the three decisions which saw them have penalties turned down in the 2-0 defeat at Everton: "I still believe the three of them are [penalties]. The PGMOL clearly said the third one was a penalty but unfortunately they [the officials on the day] got it wrong. It’s happened before when the panel has decided and said it was the other way round. We cannot be bothered by that."

• He continued: "I always try to be respectful, I try to understand how hard the work of the referee is but this year it’s difficult. There are too many situations happening. I felt it was impossible to control the emotions and that’s why I’ve become so vocal."

• On responding to the Football Association asking for his observations following his comments after the Everton game: "I read it, I agreed and I signed it. We are still waiting. Hopefully I don’t get punished and I can be on the touchline."

• Nuno said he and the club felt vindicated in their concerns over the decisions "To a point, yes. It’s nice when you have someone, an expert, saying they [the referees] got it wrong and what you said and saw was right. It makes you feel more comfortable but it doesn’t give you back what happened."

• On needing their fate to be in their own hands after playing Sheffield United: "Looking at the table and the next matches, it’s going to be until the end - it’s not going to be solved (at the weekend). We depend on ourselves and after Sheffield United, it must still be in our hands so, for that, we must win."

• Willy Boly is fit but Neco Williams remains a doubt after suffering a hamstring injury against Manchester City. Striker Taiwo Awoniyi is also back in training: "Taiwo started with the group today - let's see if he's feeling positive. I think he can help us."

Follow Thursday's Premier League news conferences

Here are the key facts and figures before Saturday's game between Sheffield United and Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.

• This is Sheffield United's first home Premier League match against Nottingham Forest since October 1992 - a goalless draw at Bramall Lane. They are unbeaten in their past four top-flight home games against Forest since a 3-1 defeat in August 1967.

• Nottingham Forest are looking to complete their first league double over Sheffield United since the 2003-04 campaign when the sides were in the second tier.

• Sheffield United are just three goals away from becoming the second side in Premier League history to concede 100 goals in a single campaign after Swindon Town in 1993-94 (100 in 42 games). The Blades would be just the third team to do so in a top-flight season with a maximum of 20 teams, after Darwen in 1891-92 (112 in 26 games) and Leicester in 1908-09 (102 in 38 games).

• Nottingham Forest have won just one of their past 19 Premier League games against promoted sides and that was in the reverse fixture against Sheffield United this season. This will be the second time they have faced an opponent in their first match after being relegated from the Premier League (within the same season) when they beat QPR 3-0 in 1995-96.

• Sheffield United have conceded 51 goals in their 17 Premier League home games this season. In English top-flight history, only Aston Villa in 1935-36 have ever conceded more at home in a single campaign (56).

• Nine of Chris Wood's 12 Premier League goals this season have either put Nottingham Forest in the lead (four) or drawn them level (five).

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Nottingham Forest are still waiting to discover if their appeal against a four-point deduction for breaching profit and sustainability rules has been successful.

The appeal was held last Wednesday but, unlike the independent commission which heard Forest’s initial case, there is no seven-day time frame for it to be resolved.

Last year the Premier League brought in rules to fast-track PSR cases so breaches were handled within 12 weeks, with the punishment applied that season.

Forest were charged in January and were docked four points in March with the process falling within that time.

Before the new fast-track rules, Everton’s first case took around eight months, from when they were charged in March 2023 to having an initial 10-point penalty handed out in November last year.

The Toffees appealed and had it reduced to six while they are also appealing a second two-point deduction for a separate breach.

Forest had to appeal their punishment within seven days, with a committee needing to be assembled a week later before a date was set.

But while an outcome is expected soon there is not the same timeframe attached to an appeal decision apart from the backstop of 24 May, which is five days after the final games of the Premier League season, for all cases to be resolved.

Forest’s case will certainly be finalised before the end of the season.

Nuno Espirito Santo will be speaking to the media at 13:30 BST on Thursday.

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Referees' chief Howard Webb says if Anthony Taylor had been recommended to see Ashley Young's challenge on Callum Hudson-Odoi in Everton's win over Nottingham Forest again, he "probably would have come out with a different outcome".

Forest felt the video assistant referee (VAR) should have overturned three on-field decisions in their favour.

On Tuesday it was revealed the Key Match Incident Panel unanimously agreed Forest should have been given a penalty when Young brought down Hudson-Odoi in the 55th minute of their match at Goodison Park on 21 April.

Speaking on the Sky Sports' Mic'd Up programme, Webb said they "would have preferred an intervention for the referee to go to the screen to make a judgement for himself in this situation and probably would have come out with a different outcome if that would have happened".

However, the former referee felt the other two incidents "were really subjective calls".

On Young's tackle on Gio Reyna in the box, Webb said PGMOL have set "quite a high threshold" for intervention on incidents in the penalty area and that, in this case, there was "minimal contact".

In regards to Young's handball, Webb said VAR agreed with the on-field referee that the defender was attempting to close down a shot from a "short distance" and that his arms were in a "natural position".

There are some games that give you hope. Games where you do not feel like the fourth-worst team in the division. Games where the team gave their all and, although they came away with nothing, you gave one of the best sides in the world a run for their money.

Doing well, of course, does not give you points. And with three games to go, feeling good about ourselves is not enough.

But play as we did against Manchester City for the remaining three matches and we should be OK.

Quite why we have not reverted to a back three until now is a question, especially when we have been overrun in midfield on occasion.

However, it is evident what we have missed in Willy Boly. With that assuredness at the back, the experience he brought to the defence seemed to permeate through the ranks.

Ola Aina’s swashbuckling display up and down the left wing, in tandem with Callum Hudson-Odoi, meant the ongoing absence of Nuno Tavares is not of due concern.

However, it is the injury-ridden season of Taiwo Awoniyi that is perhaps the greatest loss.

Chris Wood may have had quite the purple patch, but without another proven striker available it is a heavy burden up front.

Could Awoniyi return before the end of the season and deliver the composure we need in front of goal? We can only hope.

Pat Riddell can be found at The Famous Club, external

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The Key Match Incident Panel is independent and made up of three former players or coaches, one Premier League representative and one from the Professional Game Match Officials Board, the referees' body.

It reviews the big refereeing decisions from each Premier League round of fixtures and unanimously agreed Nottingham Forest should have been given a penalty when Everton's Ashley Young brought down Callum Hudson-Odoi in the 55th minute.

"Young inherits the risk by going to ground from the wrong side and Hudson-Odoi beats him to the ball. It is a foul," the panel wrote in its decisions, seen by BBC Sport.

"It was felt unanimously that a penalty should have been awarded and VAR should have intervened on the basis that Young doesn't make any contact on the ball and that there is evidence that his contact with Hudson-Odoi has the consequence of tripping the attacker."

They also voted 5-0 that VAR should have intervened.

The panel was split 3-2 over the on-pitch decision over whether Forest should have been awarded a spot-kick when the ball hit Young's arm in the 44th minute, but all agreed VAR was correct not to intervene.

They argued it was a subjective call but "the majority considered this a dynamic situation where the arm was in a justifiable position, and with no clear action to deliberately handle the ball. In addition the close proximity from which the ball was played by the attacker was taken into account".

They also agreed, in a 5-0 decision, that Young's 24th-minute challenge on Reyna did not warrant a penalty and that VAR was correct not to step in.

The panel wrote: "The ball isn't played, there is contact by the defender on the attacker but any contact is minimal and is exaggerated by the attacker, and falls below the high threshold for a penalty."