Philip Billing gives verdict ahead of AFC Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest clash | OneFootball

There’s a huge top of the table clash set to take place on Tuesday night between Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest – but despite the pressure on both teams over the outcome, Cherries midfielder Philip Billing has told BBC Solent that he ‘backs’ his side to secure the result.

Bournemouth have been up near the top end of the Championship table for the majority of the campaign and look on course to seal an automatic promotion to the Premier League come the end of the season. They’re currently sat in second and the ball is firmly in their court.

With two games left, just a draw against Forest in their next outing and then a win or draw in their final game would see them bag that spot in the top flight regardless of how Steve Cooper’s side do in the final week.

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That isn’t to say they couldn’t fall into the play-offs though – and with Forest in excellent form and completely rejuvenated under Steve Cooper, they could be ready to jump into Bournemouth’s place right at the end of the campaign.

A win over the Cherries for the away side would see them leapfrog Scott Parker’s outfit into second and put them into the drivers seat for the final week of the season. It certainly is all to play for on Tuesday night then – but despite the pressure on the outcome, Philip Billing is backing his side to get the job done. He did though admit that it wouldn’t be an easy task.

Speaking to BBC Solent about the game, he said: “We have to respect Forest because they’re a decent side with good players – they’re on a good unbeaten run so we have to be aware. But I back us, that’s for sure.”

Billing himself, like his club, has had a superb season in the Championship this year. With 18 goal contributions in 36 starts from midfield, he has been one of the most productive players in his position all campaign. If he can add a few more to that tally before the season comes to an end, then it could certainly help see the Cherries over the line.

Bournemouth are on course to bounce back into the Premier League but considering the run that Nottingham Forest are on and the scenarios that could play out based on the outcome of this midweek game, it could be the biggest fixture of the season for both clubs.

The Cherries can perhaps sit back a bit more in the knowledge that two draws could see them go up into the Premier League. However, they cannot afford to be complacent against a Nottingham Forest side that have won four of their last five and sit firmly behind them in both the actual table and the form table over the last five fixtures.

Philip Billing, if he can have an influence on the game, could certainly help tilt the result in Bournemouth’s favour. He’s been a key figure for Scott Parker and considering his goal contribution rate for the club, he could be huge for them in these next two fixtures.

He doesn’t seem to bow to pressure and that could be vital for Bournemouth – and he could end up being one of their Players of the Season too.