The Championship promotion race is entering what Nottingham Forest boss Sabri Lamouchi refers to as “the money time”.
And the Reds are right there in the mix.
After Saturday’s controversy-packed 2-2 draw with league leaders West Bromwich Albion, they sit in fifth spot.
Four points separate them from second-placed Leeds United, with the Baggies a further four ahead, with 13 games remaining.
Lamouchi admitted he made a mistake when he made five changes to his side a week ago, and subsequently saw Charlton Athletic triumph at the City Ground.
Three of those alterations were enforced, due to injury, but the absent quintet all returned at The Hawthorns last weekend.
It seems unlikely the Frenchman will mix up his team quite so drastically again, given the stakes increase with each passing week.
So we’ve had a look at those players who will be crucial in the run-in, such is their importance to the team.
Some are clear untouchables and others more unsung heroes, but all can play a valuable part in the remaining games.
Brice Samba
An obvious one really. Lamouchi said only last week that the goalkeeper was undroppable.
“I can’t change Brice Samba. I will not change Brice Samba,” he said. “Even with a fever, he will play; even with some pain, he will play!
“I can’t be more clear than that.”
The Reds’ No.1 has kept 10 clean-sheets in the league so far this term and made the difference for his side on many occasions.
He pulled off some terrific stops late on against Albion to keep the visitors in with a chance at 2-1.
And he will no doubt come to the rescue countless times again between now and May.
Yuri Ribeiro
Very much an unsung hero.
The Portuguese doesn’t get a great deal of recognition, but he was certainly missed when left out against the Addicks.
A lack of recent game time for Gaetan Bong showed when he stepped in for Ribeiro at left-back that day, as he looked a little rusty.
It would be harsh to judge the former Brighton man based on that appearance alone - he has played at the highest level and has bags of experience, after all.
However, it did show how settled a part of the back four Ribeiro has become. He has developed a good understanding with his teammates, does his job defensively and also offers an attacking outlet.
In fairness, you could also name Matty Cash, Joe Worrall and probably Tobias Figueiredo as near guarantees for a starting spot - that defensive line-up has generally been pretty solid of late.
Ribeiro is the one who quietly goes about his business with little acknowledgement, though, so he deserves a special shout-out.
Samba Sow
There was a collective sigh of relief from the travelling contingent when the midfielder made the starting line-up in the West Midlands, having missed the previous game with a knock.
It is difficult to overstate just how pivotal he is.
He also has an outstanding record in the Garibaldi. In his 19 appearances, Forest have lost just once - against Huddersfield Town, when he was coming back from injury.
When he’s playing, Sow is a machine in the middle of the park.
Alongside Ben Watson, the two of them don’t half get through an incredible amount of work.
Lamouchi will no doubt be very much hoping the summer signing can stay fit through the run-in. The Reds need him.
Joe Lolley
The winger has been well and truly back to his best in recent weeks, causing opposition defences problems and being the attacking heartbeat of his side.
What perhaps goes under the radar a little more, is the sheer amount of effort Lolley puts in every match.
The goals and the assists grab the headlines, but the less glamorous side of the game is just as important - the tracking back and helping out his teammates.
The Reds will certainly need him to be on top form going forward, however, as they look to rack up as many points as possible.
On his day, Lolley is one of the most destructive attackers in the Championship - either going it alone or creating for others. Having someone with that kind of quality can make a huge difference.
Lewis Grabban
The striker is part of the spine of this side. His 16 goals have been invaluable.
And while he may play down what it would mean to reach the magical 20 mark, it would be some achievement.
He has not scored in his last four outings, and no doubt has Tyler Walker breathing down his neck following his return from Lincoln City. But having Grabban back from injury against West Brom will have been just as much of a relief for Lamouchi as with Sow.
Forest wouldn’t want to be without him for too long.
Goals win games. And this season, Grabban has not stopped scoring goals.
Expect him to get back on the scoresheet soon.
