Boss Chris Hughton admits Nottingham Forest are facing an “important week” as they come up against two sides who are also fighting at the bottom end of the table.
The Reds travel to St Andrew’s to take on Coventry City this evening - a team four points above them in the Championship standings.
They then make the trip to rock-bottom Wycombe Wanderers at the weekend, as Forest aim to give their own survival hopes a boost.
Hughton’s men are currently just one place and three points above the relegation zone ahead of tonight’s clash.
And, against two near rivals, Hughton accepts they face two crunch clashes.
“It’s an important week. I know we can say that about most weeks and most games, but with Coventry’s position in the league, and Wycombe’s as well, these are games that add a little bit more,” he told NottinghamshireLive.
“They are games, certainly, you don’t want to lose.
“Nothing is the be-all and end-all, because there’s still an awful lot of football to be played.
“What we have found is this is a season of unexpected results.
“It’s not the be-all and end-all, but I accept these are two big games for us.”
Coventry, now with former Red Tyler Walker in their ranks, secured promotion from League One last season - with their campaign curtailed as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
Hughton feels they have adjusted to the second tier well.
“They’re a good team,” he said.
“We managed to get a last minute winner against them in the home game, but it was a very tight game.
“They are one side in particular, who have taken their promotion form into the season and have managed to continue that.
“I’ve been very impressed with the level of performance and results they’ve got.”
