04 Nov 2025 07:33:30
There have been several posts already this season stating before games that this is a must win game. For me these kind of statements are not necessary until the math starts to show the un probabilities of survival are imminent. With only being just over quarter way through the season it is not necessary to be overly concerned just yet.
However, it is likely that we will be in a relegation battle this season and in the respect of keeping on track with more or less a point a game, considering our three very tough matches after Forest, I feel we must not lose this particular game.
With West Ham playing Burnley as well, if there are negative results for Burnley and us there will be a bunching up effect looming at the bottom, bar Wolves I expect.
So not losing to Forest will retain that little buffer zone that will hopefully continue for as long as possible.
We need at least West Ham or Forest to continue their struggles as well as Burnley to give us a chance of staying up this season.
So all considering, this game for me is a must not lose one, if we can pick up a point at Forest it will be quite significant for our cause in my opinion.
04 Nov 2025 08:17:20
All very logical OP. Logical vs emotional is the only way to be this season. It is, and will continue to be a rough ride, whoever is the gaffer, and whatever point in time. A point against a Dyche Forest, who should, on paper, comfortably stay up, would be valuable.
04 Nov 2025 08:46:15
West ham just thumped Newcastle as opposed to us not.
I agree only in last 5-6 games will it likely be must win scenario.
Let’s hope for a reversal of our recent form and tactics and we start with a confidence boosting 3 this weekend.
8 points from next 5 games should be achievable imo.
04 Nov 2025 08:58:56
Just saying
The run of fixtures after forest into almost February is scary OP,
Qué Sera Sera is now only mantra for me ?
Speedy recovery pal, and no doubt we will be crossing swords again soon ?.
04 Nov 2025 10:11:43
So Aus, you are saying we will lose just one of our next 5 games if the possible 8 points is achieved? It's possible but highly unlikely though.
04 Nov 2025 11:01:04
Over the next four games it is possible to pick up four points which for me would hold us in a positive continuing position which should keep us on target for survival.
Any home game for us we must at all costs get a result, bar the elite teams but if we do it will be a huge bonus.
04 Nov 2025 11:11:21
the term 'must-win' does get banded about too often these days. a result against Burnley in October doesn't mean we are or are not relegated, but I think people mean if we don't win a certain game it could cause serious damage to our hopes. We lost to Burnley yes but we may pick up an unexpected win elsewhere (e.
g. Citeh or Liverpool) to keep our points total on track. Its not genuinely must win until a loss of 3 points means it is mathematically impossible to stay up but I do get why that term is used even this early in the season.
04 Nov 2025 12:50:19
Love that word Alf. May.
04 Nov 2025 12:54:21
I’m saying. It’s possible to get wins v forest vila and points off Chelsea and pool. None of those 4 are consistent and setting the world alight.
Or am I being too positively optimistic?
As Alf says. It may happen.
04 Nov 2025 12:55:13
Can see both sides of the argument in relation to ‘must win’ games for myself.
Of course only the passage of time will validate as to whether any game was truly a ‘must win’ game, conversely, team momentum is so very important in the EPL especially for a newly promoted side as Sunderland continue to show.
We will never know if the board (all in attendance) for the Wet Sham game at home, would have dispensed with DF had we lost that game, but that would have met the criteria for a must win game in relation to DF future.
Irrespective, someone stating they considered a certain game is a must win game, it’s just their opinion, aren’t we always saying variety is everything on a banter site, and everyone has a right to share their opinion, truly don’t understand why anyone should be bothered about the phrase of must win.
We can’t pick and choose what is valid opinion just because it doesn’t marry with our own personal views, so long as it’s never personal, it should be a free for all.
04 Nov 2025 13:35:12
Way too optimistic Aus, it could very well be weeks after next game before we take. points again, lack of goals is beginning to show,
04 Nov 2025 16:50:39
Correct Aus, West Ham thumped Newcastle as opposed to us not, but also we beat West Ham as opposed to Newcastle not. What that tells us is the league is variable, and with a few exceptions anyone can beat anyone.
Agreed, only towards the end of the season can we start talking about "must win" scenarios. Maybe we could class the Forest game as "must not lose" though.
04 Nov 2025 21:00:28
We can't beat Burnley and scraped a win at wolves and we will magically make points appear against city and Liverpool?
I need to go sit down.
05 Nov 2025 07:29:20
It's not unheard of, and we've done it before, Mo.