Nottingham Forest took a gigantic step toward remaining in the Premier League next season, as they came back from a goal down early to beat Sheffield United 3-1 at Bramall Lane on Saturday.
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The victory sends Forest (29 points) three points clear of 18th-place Luton Town and five points above 19th-place Burnley. Nottingham Forest are also 11 better than Luton in the goal difference column, effectively making their lead four points with two games left to play.
Sheffield United (16 points) reached the ignominious mark of 100 goals conceded in the PL this season. The only other side to reach the century mark in PL history was Swindon Town in 1993-94, when there were 22 teams and they played 42 games a season.
Callum Hudson-Odoi shines with season-saving brace
It was the kind of performance that Callum Hudson-Odoi was expected (not so long ago) to deliver in future title races at Chelsea, not relegation fights at Forest. But they’ll be singing the 23-year-old’s name in the East Midlands tonight, after scoring first to pull Forest level at 1-1 in the 27th minute, then again to make it 3-1 in the 65th. Ben Brereton Diaz had scored the opener from the penalty spot in the 17th minute. Ryan Yates scored what turned out to be the winning goal, his first in the PL, in the 51st.
Hudson-Odoi’s first goal was of the highest quality, turning and instinctively curling the ball toward the far post from just inside the penalty area. The second wasn’t as impressive for the quality of finish, as it was for the shifty dribbling and beating of the defender before sticking another right-footed finish far post. In truth, Hudson-Odoi should have had a hat trick as he pinged a nearly identical chance off the outside of the post just a couple minutes earlier.
What’s next?
Forest will host Chelsea next Saturday (12:30 pm ET) in their final game at the City Ground this season. Sheffield United will travel to Goodison Park to take on Everton in the 10 am ET window.
Player ratings - Sheffield United vs Nottingham Forest
Sheffield United vs Nottingham Forest highlights, final score: 1-3
Goalscorers: Ben Brereton Diaz (17' - PK), Callum Hudson-Odoi (27', 65'), Ryan Yates (51')
GOAL - Sheff Utd 1-3 Nott Forest: Callum Hudson-Odoi cuts inside and scores again
GOAL - Sheff Utd 1-2 Nott Forest: Ryan Yates’ first Premier League goal is a big one
GOAL - Sheff Utd 1-1 Nottm Forest: Callum Hudson-Odoi curls a beauty to equalize
GOAL - Sheff Utd 1-0 Nott Forest: Ben Brereton Diaz converts from the penalty spot
How to watch Sheffield United vs Nottingham Forest live, stream link and start time
Kick off: 10am ET Saturday (May 4)
TV Channel: USA Network
Online: Watch online via NBC.com
Sheffield United starting lineup
Foderingham — Trusty, Ahmedhodzic, Robinson — Bogle, Arblaster, Osborn, Brooks, Hamer — Brereton Diaz, Archer
Nottingham Forest starting lineup
Sels — Montiel, Boly, Murillo, Aina — Yates, Danilo, Gibbs-White — Elanga, Hudson-Odoi, Wood
Sheffield United focus, team news
Injuries have hurt the Blades all season long, especially at the back, and they have long been resigned to relegation. Wilder’s criticism of Sheffield United last week was harsh, but probably fair, and now they will start to plan for how they will approach the Championship next season.
OUT: Oliver McBurnie (thigh), John Egan (ankle), George Baldock (calf), Max Lowe (ankle), Chris Basham (ankle), Tom Davies (thigh), Daniel Jebbison (illness), Rhys Norrington-Davies (thigh)
Nottingham Forest focus, team news
Losing Neco Williams to injury is a big blow as he creates so much from right back as he loves to get forward. Awoniyi could be back, which would be a huge boost, but the duo of Dominguez and Murillo are doubts which will leave Nuno with some big calls in midfield and defense. Does he go all-out attack and start Reyna, Gibbs-White, Elanga and Hudson-Odoi in support of Wood up top? This is probably the time to do it.
OUT: Neco Williams (thigh)
