Nottingham Forest are in the midst of a Premier League relegation battle, with an unprecedented scenario still possible before the end of the season
Amie Wilson Central Audience Writer
16:02, 18 Apr 2026
Nottingham Forest face a possibility of playing a Premier League relegation play-off vs Leeds and the end of the season. (Image: PAUL ELLIS, AFP via Getty Images)
Nottingham Forest could be forced into a relegation play-off at the end of the season if an unlikely set of circumstances unfolds. Forest are outside the bottom three, yet will be nervously glancing over their shoulders as the season draws to a close.
Should things go against them in the remaining games, there exists a scenario in which a play-off match would be required to determine whether Forest or Leeds United are relegated.
If it were to happen, then it would mark the first occasion in Premier League history that such a fixture has ever taken place.
This extraordinary play-off would be triggered if both clubs finish level on points, goal difference, and total goals scored. If all three criteria remain equal, the head-to-head record between the pair would be used, followed by away goals in those respective fixtures.
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The two meetings between Forest and Leeds this season each produced a 3-1 victory for the home side. As a result, neither the head-to-head record nor away goals in those fixtures would be sufficient to separate them.
Should it ultimately come down to the head-to-head record, the only remaining method to distinguish between the two clubs would be a one-off play-off fixture held at a neutral ground
The victors of that match would retain their Premier League status, while the defeated side would be condemned to Championship football.
While the prospect remains highly improbable, it cannot be entirely ruled out. Both clubs are in 15th and 16th spot in the Premier League standings, with Leeds (36 points) sitting three points ahead of Forest (33 points).
The Whites are, however, currently winning 2-0 against Wolves, which would move them a further three points away from Forest.
Nottingham Forest will be hoping to move away from the relegation zone in the final matches of the season. (Image: Molly Darlington – UEFA, UEFA via Getty Images)
Each team would need to be leapfrogged by 18th-placed Tottenham (30 points) and 17th-placed West Ham (32 points). Just two goals separate the pair’s goal difference, while Leeds have netted 51 times compared to Forest’s 44.
Forest are back in action when they entertain Burnley at the City Ground on Sunday afternoon.
Both them and Leeds will enter their fixtures in buoyant mood, with Leeds having emerged as 2-1 victors against Manchester United on Monday evening. Forest, for their part, reached the Europa League semi-finals on Thursday courtesy of a 1-0 triumph over Porto.
Tottenham, in the meantime, face Brighton and Hove Albion at home in Saturday’s 5.30pm fixture. West Ham make the trip to Crystal Palace on Monday evening (8pm kick-off).