The rescheduled match was postponed back in February after damage was caused to the Vitality Stadium by Storm Eunice.

With just three points separating the two teams, the stakes are now a lot higher:

• A win for Bournemouth would take them to 85 points and secure automatic promotion.
• A win for Nottingham Forest would move them above their promotion rivals on goal difference.

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How did it get so close?

Such a prospect seemed remote early in the season as Bournemouth flew out of the blocks while Forest struggled.

In response to last season's play-off semi-final defeat to Brentford, Bournemouth stormed their way to the top of the Championship this term after going unbeaten in the first 15 league games. As they had done in 2020/21, a wobble followed - consisting of six defeats in 12 games - paving the way for eventual champions Fulham to lead the way.

But the Cherries had clearly learned their lessons. This time, they recovered and have almost exclusively held onto second ever since.

Forest's story could not be more different. While Scott Parker and Co were flying high, Forest under Chris Hughton were bottom of the league as recently as September 18.

To suggest they have thrived under Cooper - who led Swansea to the play-offs in the last two seasons - is an understatement. In his 37 league games in charge, they have won 22 and lost just four games, scoring 63 goals along the way.

They travel to the south coast off the back of a stunning run of nine wins in their last 10. Bournemouth will have to be at their best to stop this machine from steamrolling its way back into the Premier League for the first time since 1999.

'What professional sport is all about'

Forest boss Cooper said his side go into the game without any fear.

"We are so looking forward to this game," he said.

"We are excited about it, we are focused, we are ready for it. We are thinking about wanting to win and why we want to win.

"If you get too caught up in focusing on it like a cup final then we are focusing on the wrong thing. This is what professional sport is all about, these moments, and we really want to capture the opportunity."

Bournemouth full-back Jordan Zemura added: "Of course it's going to be absolutely buzzing here [at the Vitality Stadium]. It's our last two games and this one is a very important one.

"I'm sure the crowd are going to be on their feet for 90 minutes, and obviously they [Forest] have got good support, and a good following. It's the stuff that you dream of, I've played this out in my head about a thousand times. Hopefully, it goes our way."

Watch Bournemouth vs Nottingham Forest live on Sky Sports Football from on 6.30pm on Monday; Kick off 7pm

Here, we take a look at the runners and riders, their form and their key remaining fixtures as they bid to break free of the Championship's clutches and reach the Premier League...

Bournemouth

Position: 2nd
Games played: 44
Points: 82
Form (most recent first): WDDWD
Sky Bet promotion odds: 1/8

Remaining fixtures: Nottingham Forest (A) (May 3, 7pm), Millwall (H) (May 7, 12.30pm)

Nottingham Forest

Position: 3rd
Games played: 44
Points: 79
Form (most recent first): WWWWL
Sky Bet promotion odds: 1/1

Remaining fixtures: Bournemouth (A) (May 3, 7pm), Hull (A) (May 7, 12.30pm)

Huddersfield

Position: 4th
Games played: 45
Points: 79
Form (most recent first): WWWDW
Sky Bet promotion odds: 4/1

Remaining fixtures: Bristol City (H) (May 7, 12.30pm)

Luton

Position: 5th
Games played: 44
Points: 72
Form (most recent first): DWWLD
Sky Bet promotion odds: 9/2

Remaining fixtures: Reading (H) (May 7, 12.30pm)

Sheffield United

Position: 6th
Games played: 45
Points: 72
Form (most recent first): WDWLD
Sky Bet promotion odds: 11/4

Remaining fixtures: Fulham (H) (May 7, 12.30pm)

Middlesbrough

Position: 7th
Games played: 45
Points: 70
Form (most recent first): WWDLD
Sky Bet promotion odds: 9/1

Remaining fixtures: Preston (A) (May 7, 12.30pm)

Millwall

Position: 8th
Games played: 45
Points: 69
Form (most recent first): WDWDW
Sky Bet promotion odds: 500/1

Remaining fixtures: Bournemouth (A) (May 7, 12.30pm)