The run in

According to Opta, we have the fourth easiest set of remaining opponents. Luton have the sixth hardest, Brentford have the easiest, Everton the fifth easiest.

Controversial take - today’s game isn’t must win for us, but it definitely is for Luton.

I hope you're right. Goes without saying though the trouble is the points deduction.

Brentford haven’t won in 17 apparently,

According to the Opta chart that was Luton's easiest game they have left, and our third easiest.

That's not taking account of home vs away though.

I reckon we will be doing well to get another 6 to 8 points if we're lucky. That would be fine if we weren't about to get a deduction. I'm guessing we may be able to absorb a 4 point deduction and scrape staying up, anything more looks unlikely after today but it all depends on how Everton do with the deduction.

Is there any expectation of a further points deduction for Everton? I had the impression that they had a further charge to answer but heard precious little other than Forest getting some kind of punishment on Monday.

I think they are expecting something yeah.

Yes, they still haven't had a hearing yet on their 2020-23 breach. Should be before early April.

Was there reporting at some point that they would get some leniency on the second charge because two deductions in one season is unfair?

It's what they are arguing, but I don't think we know if there's anything actually in it. There shouldn't be. It's separate charges. Personally it should be harsher than the first - they knew they were over FFP but just kept going. Hardly shows remorse or a good attempt to reign it in.

I expect that'll form a large part of their mitigation case.

It's two different transgressions so I would presume not, that would be patently unfair. They don't usually let you off a parking offence because you've been done for speeding. It might even make more sense for them to get a more severe penalty for recidivism if anything.

If they'd had the first one last season, as they should but for the league's tardiness, they'd have been relegated. So it's a hollow argument.

It isn't even an argument. Recidivism cannot amount to mitigation.