At the start of the season, you may have predicted reverse fortunes for these two sides. However, it is third versus 13th in the Premier League, with Nottingham Forest the side higher in the table.
Forest have had an incredible season, particularly after just narrowly avoiding relegation last time around. Not only do they sit comfortably in the Champions League places, but they progressed to the FA Cup semi-finals by beating Brighton on penalties on Saturday.
In contrast, Man Utd are having a poor season by their standards. Languishing in 13th, they already have little to play for. They are 20 points above the relegation places, but 11 off the European spots. All of their focus will be on the Europa League, which offers their only guaranteed way into Europe next season.
NOTTINGHAM FOREST VS MANCHESTER UNITED PREVIEW
Man Utd go into this game fully rested, not having played at the weekend. In contrast, Forest needed extra time and penalties to defeat Brighton. They do, however, have home advantage here.
Forest go into this game off the back of their FA Cup success, with their last Premier League game being a 4-2 win at Ipswich Town. United also won their last game, 3-0 at Leicester City. Before this, United progressed to the quarter-finals of the Europa League by thumping Real Sociedad 4-1.
United have been something of Forest’s bogey team in recent years, but the tide has started to turn. Forest have won two of the last three encounters between the two sides. However, United had won 11 in a row prior to this.
The reverse fixture between the two sides saw Forest win 2-3 at Old Trafford back in December. They were aided by defensive blunders as they secured their first win at Old Trafford since 1994. Should they win on Tuesday, this will be their first double over Manchester United since the 1991/92 season.
Nikola Milenkovic opened the scoring in the second minute, with Rasmus Hojlund ensuring both sides were level at the break. However, two quick-fire goals from Morgan Gibbs-White and Chris Wood put the result beyond doubt. Both were from mistakes. Bruno Fernandes scored just after the hour mark, but United couldn’t produce an equaliser.
Forest also won this corresponding fixture last year. Goals from Nicolas Dominguez and Gibbs-White were enough to secure a 2-1 win, with the latter coming four minutes after a Marcus Rashford leveller.
The last game between the two sides at the City Ground saw United beat Forest 1-0 in the FA Cup last season.
Chris Wood is a massive doubt for Nottingham Forest after the striker picked up a hip injury while representing New Zealand. Former Man Utd forward Anthony Elanga could stand in Wood’s place, with Jota Silva moving out wide.
Morgan Gibbs-White should recover after clashing with a goalpost against Brighton at the weekend.
United have been significantly strengthened, with five players returning from injury. Altay Bayindir, Tom Heaton, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw and Leny Yoro could all feature.
Patrick Dorgu could return from suspension but Amad Diallo, Jonny Evans, Ayden Heaven, Kobbie Mainoo and Lisandro Martinez are all out.
NOTTINGHAM FOREST VS MANCHESTER UNITED – PREDICTIONS
Nottingham Forest Win
Forest are unbeaten at home in their last eight league games, winning six. The two draws have come against Liverpool and Arsenal, the only two sides above them in the table. Home advantage will count a lot, while they are having a much better season than their rivals.
Draw
Manchester United will be fresher having not played over the weekend, while they have a real potency in attack. This could neutralise Forest’s home advantage.
Man Utd Win
United won at the City Ground in the last fixture between the two sides here, while their record pre-2024 was exceptional.
NOTTINGHAM FOREST VS MANCHESTER UNITED – BETTING TIPS
Nottingham Forest Win
This is a tough one to call based on the factors previously described. However, Forest are at home and are unbeaten in eight games at the City Ground. Furthermore, despite United’s good form, it’s worth noting their last two Premier League wins were against sides in the bottom three. United’s away form has not been particularly strong this season, although they are improving.
Both Teams To Score
BTTS has featured in three of the last four encounters between the two sides and with the attacking options on display, I expect this again.
HEAD-TO-HEAD AND KEY STATS
- Nottingham Forest and Manchester United have played each other 113 times, with Forest winning 35 encounters. United have won 54, while there have been 24 draws.
- Nottingham Forest are unbeaten in their last eight Premier League games at the City Ground (W6, D2).
- United have not recorded back-to-back wins in the Premier League this season.
- United have lost just once in their last seven games in all competitions.
- United are unbeaten in their last four Premier League games (W2, D2).
- United have only lost one of their last five away games in the Premier League (W2, D2).
