THERE is a distinctly retro look to the top end of the Premier League table with Liverpool leading the way and Nottingham Forest up there too. While many expected Nuno Espirito Santo’s team to be competing for a mid-table finish, they are instead in European contention. They could even qualify for the Champions League.

This would be a sensational turnaround for a club that has spent much of the last two seasons fighting against relegation. Forest haven’t reached heights like these for decades. A top four finish for the City Ground outfit would be the biggest Premier League fairytale since Leicester City won the title in 2026.

Forest are currently playing a style of football that is remarkably similar to the style that carried Leicester to title glory eight years ago. Indeed, Nuno’s team stay compact and well-organised at the back and have genuine threat on the counter attack. It’s a formula that has pushed Nottingham Forest firmly into the top half.

In Nikola Milenkovic and Murillo, Forest boast the best centre back pairing in the division with the former calm and composed and the latter naturally aggressive in a way that allows him to match up against even the best centre forward. Murillo has impressed to such an extent that Real Madrid have been linked with him.

Ola Aina is always willing to get forward and join attacks from his position on the right side of the defence with Neco Williams similarly adventurous on the other wing. The pair are adept on both the defensive and attacking sides of the ball. Nuno’s approach wouldn’t be possible without two-players full backs.

Elliot Anderson is growing in influence with almost every match he plays for Nottingham Forest. Signed from Newcastle United in the summer transfer window, the 22-year-old gives Forest energy through the centre of the pitch. He is an exceptional dribbler and is improving all the time as a deep-lying playmaker who can pick a pass.

However, the magic within the Nottingham Forest can be found in the attack where Nuno has a number of difference-makers to choose from. Morgan Gibbs-White is capable of producing something out of nothing and has the freedom to drift wherever there is space in the opposition half to exploit.

Callum Hudson-Odoi is finally flourishing as the elite level winger many predicted he would become during his Chelsea days while Anthony Elanga has proved himself a shrewd acquisition since making the move to the City Ground from Manchester United 18 months ago. The Swedish international is better than many of the wide options still at Old Trafford.

Chris Wood has been the biggest individual surprise package in the Premier League this season, scoring 11 goals in 19 games – only Mohamed Salah, Erling Haaland and Cole Palmer have scored more. The New Zealand international is the focal point of Forest’s attack and is a better footballer than many previously gave him credit for – see the cheeky finish against Everton.

“We are enjoying it, we are especially enjoying because our fans are enjoying with us,” said Nuno when asked about his team’s chances of finishing in the top four. “Nothing changes, we cannot change. We have to realise we didn’t achieve anything. We are competing in a very tough league and the next one [game] will be even tougher than this one and it’s going to be until the end like that.”

There’s a long way to go before Forest hear the famous Champions League anthem at the City Ground with 19 matches and half a season still to play. Nonetheless, Nuno’s team have given themselves a platform to achieve something special. They are evoking the spirit of Leicester City in 2016.

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