Tottenham Hotspur head into their Premier League trip to the City Ground with a growing sense of confidence and purpose as they look to keep their positive run going against Nottingham Forest.
After a difficult spell that tested belief and patience, the mood around the club has lifted noticeably, and December has started in a far more encouraging way for Thomas Frank and his players.
Spurs arrive in Nottingham aiming to extend their unbeaten run this month and push for a third straight win in all competitions.
They are also targeting a fourth match without defeat, a sequence that would underline the feeling that the team has finally found some stability after a shaky end to November.
Those three straight losses across competitions are still fresh in the memory, but the response since then has been impressive and, more importantly, convincing.
A hard-fought draw away at Newcastle United appeared to be the turning point. Tottenham followed that performance with back-to-back victories over Brentford and Slavia Prague, showing greater control, sharper movement in attack, and more discipline without the ball.
The 2–0 win against Brentford in particular was a statement, as Spurs dominated large spells of the game and looked comfortable protecting their lead.
That result moved Tottenham closer to the European places and eased some of the pressure that had been building around the club.
While they still started the weekend in the bottom half of the table, they are now just six points behind fourth-placed Chelsea. A win against Forest would keep them firmly in the conversation and within striking distance as the busy winter period continues.
Away form remains a concern, and that is the one cloud hanging over what has otherwise been a positive shift in momentum. Tottenham have lost three of their last four matches on the road, drawing the other, and City Ground has become a difficult place to visit this season.
Nottingham Forest are enjoying a strong run of form and have made life uncomfortable for several big teams at home.
However, there is also a reason for optimism. Spurs have found the net regularly away from home, scoring at least twice in six of their seven away league games so far.
That attacking threat gives them a real chance, even against a Forest side full of energy and belief.
After overseeing a commanding performance in midweek, Thomas Frank is unlikely to make sweeping changes. With the team finally showing signs of understanding his ideas, the Spurs boss will be keen to avoid disrupting the balance.
Consistency has been missing for much of the season, and this feels like a moment where keeping faith in a settled group makes sense.
Guglielmo Vicario is expected to continue in goal, providing calm and confidence from the back. In defence, Spurs should line up with a familiar look. Pedro Porro’s energy and creativity on the right remain vital, while Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven are set to continue their partnership in the centre. Djed Spence is likely to keep his place on the left, offering pace and directness going forward.
In midfield, young Archie Gray looks set to start once again after impressing with his composure and work rate. The teenager has forced his way into Frank’s plans and is showing maturity beyond his years.
He is expected to be partnered by Rodrigo Bentancur, who returns to the starting line-up after missing the midweek fixture. Bentancur’s experience and ability to control tempo could be key in a tough away environment.
Further forward, Spurs are likely to regain some attacking firepower. Randal Kolo Muani is expected to come back into the side, replacing Wilson Odobert, adding movement and physical presence in the final third.
Behind the striker, Xavi Simons and Mohammed Kudus should continue in advanced roles, providing creativity, pace, and goal threat between the lines.
Richarlison is tipped to lead the line once again. His energy, pressing, and willingness to battle defenders make him a natural focal point, especially in a game that is likely to be intense and physical.
All signs point towards a Spurs side that is starting to believe again. This trip to Nottingham Forest will be a real test of character, but with confidence slowly returning and key players settling into form, Tottenham will feel they have every chance of continuing their December revival.
