After back-to-back wins and four league games unbeaten, Farke’s men are the team in form, while Tottenham have not won a league game in 2026 and only two since 26 October.
Leeds also appear to have, on paper, the most favourable remaining fixtures with a home match against a Burnley team who may already have had relegation confirmed before travelling to Elland Road on 1 May.
Trips to Tottenham and West Ham, on the final day of the season, follow and given the buffer they have to their relegation rivals, avoiding defeat would likely represent a win for the Whites.
By contrast, after facing Burnley, at least four of Forest’s last five games will be against teams in the mix to qualify for Europe with away games at Chelsea and Manchester United looking particularly tricky.
It is a similar story for West Ham with the compact nature of the league – just seven points separate sixth and 14th – meaning pretty much every team still has something to play for.
The Hammers might actually be hoping Leeds are one of the few whose thoughts have turned to the beach if Nuno Espirito Santo’s side are still in danger of going down come the final day.
Spurs may have no better chance of breaking their duck in 2026 than next weekend’s game at Wolves, whose own relegation could be confirmed on Monday.
The home match against Leeds on 11 May is another they would view as an opportunity – but then every game falls into the must-win category for Roberto de Zerbi’s side at the moment.
Meanwhile, Burnley must essentially win all six of their remaining fixtures – including games against Manchester City and Arsenal – to have any chance.
And Wolves? Well, they require a 100% end to the season, both Spurs and West Ham to lose every game and a 20-goal swing on goal difference. Simple.
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