Ange Postecoglou’s arrival at Nottingham Forest was meant to signal a fresh start, a new era of optimism at the City Ground. Yet, as the Tricky Trees prepare for a crucial clash against Burnley at Turf Moor, the mood around the club is anything but buoyant. With a three-match losing streak hanging over their heads and a daunting fixture schedule ahead, Forest’s new manager finds himself under pressure to deliver results and restore faith among the fans.
Postecoglou’s tenure got off to a rocky start with a 3-0 defeat at Arsenal on September 14, 2025. That loss was followed by an even more painful exit from the Carabao Cup at the hands of Championship side Swansea City just three days later. Despite holding a 2-1 lead heading into stoppage time, Forest conceded twice in added time and crashed out of the competition. The collapse was hard to watch for supporters hoping for a swift turnaround under their new boss.
"The feel good factor seems to have deteriorated out of the City Ground," noted one observer, capturing the frustration that’s settled over Nottingham since the opening day win against Brentford. That solitary victory now feels like a distant memory as Forest have struggled for form and consistency in the weeks since.
With Burnley next on the agenda, the stakes could hardly be higher. Turf Moor has not always been a happy hunting ground for Forest, especially in the top flight. According to BBC Sport, the club has not won back-to-back matches against Burnley in the top division since 1967. Even more striking, Forest haven’t claimed consecutive victories at Turf Moor since September 2003, when both clubs were battling it out in the second tier. The weight of history looms large over Postecoglou’s side as they look to snap this long-standing jinx.
Yet, it’s not all doom and gloom. There were glimmers of hope in the defeat at Swansea, particularly the performance of Igor Jesus. The Brazilian striker, who has racked up 59 appearances, 17 goals, and 6 assists, bagged a brace and was the standout positive for Forest on a difficult night. His movement and finishing were a constant thorn in Swansea’s side, and there’s growing speculation that he could be handed his first Premier League start this weekend.
"Jesus was the major positive for Postecoglou in an otherwise troubling evening," reported Football Insider, highlighting the forward’s potential to make a difference in the league. With a reunion against his former club Burnley on the cards, Chris Wood, who scored twice in Forest’s 2-1 win at Turf Moor on the final day of last season, may also feature. But after Jesus’ exploits in the cup, Postecoglou faces a welcome selection headache as he looks to inject fresh impetus into his attack.
Another player pushing hard for inclusion is Dilane Bakwa. The French winger, who joined Forest from Strasbourg in August, made his first start for the club against Swansea and turned plenty of heads. Described as "unpredictable" by Breaking The Lines, Bakwa was rated eight out of ten by Nottinghamshire Live for his performance and was heavily involved in both of Forest’s goals. His direct running and creativity on the right flank gave Forest a new dimension, and many are now calling for him to be unleashed in the Premier League.
"Bakwa was a constant threat on the right-hand side," wrote Nottinghamshire Live, emphasizing the impact the 23-year-old had on his full debut. While competition for places remains fierce, particularly on the right wing, Bakwa’s performance has surely given Postecoglou food for thought as he considers his options for the Burnley game and beyond.
Of course, the fixture congestion is not doing Postecoglou any favors. With a Europa League trip to Real Betis looming after the Burnley match, squad rotation will be essential. The need for fresh legs and new ideas is pressing, and Postecoglou must strike a delicate balance between fielding his strongest XI and keeping key players fit for the challenges ahead. Experienced campaigners like Douglas Luiz and Oleksandr Zinchenko have featured prominently so far, but the manager may be tempted to shuffle his pack in search of a winning formula.
Postecoglou’s predicament is compounded by the fact that he has not had much time to work with his players. Taking over just before the start of the season, he’s still getting to grips with his squad’s strengths and weaknesses. While some have called for patience, the reality is that results are needed quickly if Forest are to avoid being dragged into an early relegation scrap. "He will be desperate for a victory as soon as possible to start getting fans on side," observed GIVEMESPORT, reflecting the urgency of the situation.
Burnley, for their part, have endured a tough start to life back in the Premier League. Their only points this season have come at home against fellow promoted side Sunderland, and they’ll be eyeing Forest’s recent struggles as an opportunity to kickstart their own campaign. Turf Moor is never an easy place to visit, and with both clubs searching for momentum, Saturday’s encounter promises to be a tense and closely fought affair.
The historical context adds another layer of intrigue. Forest’s last visit to Turf Moor, under former manager Nuno Espirito Santo, ended in a 2-1 victory thanks to a Chris Wood brace. That result capped off the 2023-24 campaign on a high note, but much has changed since then. Postecoglou’s task is to replicate that success and, in doing so, break the club’s 58-year wait for back-to-back top-flight wins over Burnley.
Fans will be watching closely to see how the manager responds to the mounting pressure. Will he stick with the experienced heads who have been there before, or will he turn to the youthful exuberance of players like Bakwa and Jesus to spark a revival? With Sunderland awaiting after Burnley and a European adventure on the horizon, the next week could go a long way toward defining Forest’s season.
As the Tricky Trees prepare for their 52nd trip to Turf Moor, the stakes could hardly be higher. Postecoglou knows that a positive result is vital—not just to end the losing streak, but to restore belief among a fanbase desperate for something to cheer about. The action is set, the stage is Turf Moor, and Nottingham Forest’s quest to smash a 58-year record is about to unfold. All eyes will be on Postecoglou and his men as they seek to turn the tide and write a new chapter in the club’s storied history.
