By Jude Summerfield
Nottingham Forest's hopes of Premier League survival took a major hit before the March international break.
Nuno Espirito Santo's side were already embroiled in the relegation scrap but a four-point penalty handed out for breaching the division's profitability and sustainability rules (PSR) means Forest really are fighting for their lives.
Everton were also previously punished for exceeding their PSR allowance, but how does Forest's immediate sanction alter their and other clubs' chances of going down?
Premier League table after Nottingham Forest receive points deduction
After being referred to an independent commission in January, it was confirmed on Monday that Forest would be stripped of four points for their financial mismanagement.
The East Midlands outfit were treading water in 17th place before the ruling but have since dropped to 18th, below Luton Town by a point and four behind 16th Everton, who may still be hit with another PSR punishment yet.
Forest and Luton battled it out on Saturday as Luke Berry's late equaliser cancelled out Chris Wood's earlier effort.
Each relegation-threatened Premier League club's chances of going down
The points deduction is a big blow for Forest but undoubtedly a major positive for other sides scrapping for survival down at the bottom of the Premier League.
While Opta have seen enough from Everton to suggest dropping into the Championship is unlikely at best, Forest's punishment has resulted in Luton Town's chances of relegation dropping from 78.1% to 62.1%.
It's the Hatters' hopes which have improved the most of the teams in trouble down at the bottom, but their percentage is still almost double Forest's after the sanction came into effect. Their chances of relegation are now rated at 37.5% - just over a one-in-three probability - having sat at 13.4% before the ruling.
All date provided by Opta.
The ruling has done little for the prospects of either Burnley or Sheffield United. The two league minnows are considerably cut adrift at the bottom and still nailed on for the drop at 94.8% and 98.4% respectively.
As for Forest, Nuno has to immediately use the punishment to extract extra fire and commitment from his players just like Everton did. The Toffees won four of their five matches after the ten-point penalty was first handed out in November, though they haven't tasted victory in their 11 Premier League fixtures since.
Former Wolves boss Nuno will at least be buoyed by his side's run-in during the final few months of the season.
While games against Tottenham and Manchester City will be difficult, clashes with Crystal Palace, Fulham, Everton, Sheffield United, Chelsea and Burnley are all winnable.
Nottingham Forest's remaining 2023/24 Premier League fixtures
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This article was originally published on 90min.com as Supercomputer predicts Premier League relegation scrap after Nottingham Forest receive points deduction.
