Nottingham Forest could still find themselves involved in a historic relegation play-off scenario at the end of the Premier League season, in what would be an unprecedented situation in English top-flight history.
Forest are currently positioned just above the relegation zone, but a highly unlikely combination of results could still see them dragged into a dramatic one-off match against Leeds United to determine survival.
How the play-off scenario could happen
The extraordinary situation would only occur if Nottingham Forest and Leeds finish the season level on points, goal difference, and total goals scored.
If that happens, the Premier League would move to head-to-head records between the two sides. However, with both league meetings between Forest and Leeds ending 3-1 to the home team, those records would also be identical.
If no separation can still be found, the final solution would be a neutral-venue play-off match to decide which club remains in the Premier League and which is relegated to the Championship.
A first in Premier League history
Such a match has never taken place in Premier League history, making this a rare and dramatic theoretical scenario. It would effectively turn survival into a single-game decider, with everything on the line for both clubs.
Tight relegation battle
Forest currently sit on 33 points, with Leeds on 36, leaving only a small gap as the season approaches its final fixtures. Both sides remain under pressure, while teams just above the relegation zone are also not yet safe mathematically.
Goal difference and goals scored could prove crucial, as the margin between survival and potential play-off involvement remains extremely narrow.
Remaining fixtures add tension
Both clubs still have key matches left to play, with each result potentially reshaping the relegation picture. Forest will be aiming to secure enough points to avoid being dragged into the conversation entirely, while Leeds will look to pull further clear.
Other results involving teams around the bottom half could also have a significant impact, keeping the situation fluid heading into the final weeks.
Unlikely but not impossible
While the play-off scenario remains highly improbable, it is still mathematically possible, adding an unusual layer of tension to the relegation battle.
For Nottingham Forest, the priority will be simple: secure enough points to avoid any reliance on goal difference, head-to-head records, or a historic survival play-off.
