Can Nottingham Forest cause a shock to Manchester United at the City Ground?
Nottingham Forest vs Manchester United - 30/12/2023
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Nottingham Forest have already received a bump in results thanks to the appointment of new manager Nuno Espirito Santo.
Forest claimed a shock 3-1 win at St. James’ Park against Newcastle ending a terrible run of results.
Now, Nottingham Forest will host Manchester United at the City Ground on Saturday, as they seek a second straight league win.
Manchester United are up to seventh in the Premier League table. They are coming off a 3-2 come-from-behind win over Aston Villa at home.
The victory ended a three-match winless streak for the Red Devils.
Reports surfaced just before Christmas that INEOS had purchased 25% of the club. There is no news yet of how the INEOS buy-in will affect the club.
However, there is hope that Man United will have more funds available to sign top-notch players.
Nottingham Forest and Man United played five times over the course of the last season and a half.
United won all five of those matches in all competitions by a combined score of 13-2. The clubs combined for 20 yellow cards and one red card in the five matches.
The clubs’ reverse fixture this season saw Forest push United for 90 minutes. The match ended 3-2 in favour of Man United, but Forest had their chances to win.
Taiwo Awoniyi put Forest on top in the second minute. Two minutes later, defender Willy Boly put Forest up 2-0.
After spotting the Reds two goals, Manchester United came back, scoring in the 17th minute through Christian Eriksen. Casemiro added a second goal just after halftime.
Joe Worrall was sent off in the 67th minute and Bruno Fernandes scored the go-ahead goal in the 76th minute from the penalty spot.
Erik ten Hag could be without up to 11 players due to injuries and suspensions. Full-back Tyrell Malacia is out with a knee injury. Defender Lisandro Martinez is still out with an ankle injury.
Casemiro has a thigh strain and will sit out. Mason Mount and Victor Lindelof are both unlikely to make the squad.
Harry Maguire is out with an injury, and Jadon Sancho is suspended by the club.
Meanwhile, Ten Hag is hoping to have Luke Shaw, Sofyan Amrabat, and Anthony Martial fit following injuries. However, there is now confirmation on any of the three players being ready.
Nottingham Forest’s Chris Wood scored a Boxing Day hat-trick against Newcastle. He is likely to be in the team.
Awoniyi will miss the match with a groin injury. However, defenders Felipe, Boly, and Serge Aurier are all ruled out. Midfielder Ibrahim Sangare is suspended.
Manchester United should eke out another win over Forest. United’s Fernandes should get on the scoresheet, possibly from the penalty spot again. The Red Devils should win 2-1 in a close game.
Home team
Away team
Pred
Correct score
Avg. goals
Weather conditions
Coef.
Score
Live
coef.
EPL
222455
2
1 - 2
2.63
11°
2.20
3.10
3.60
2.20
no
no
no
2 - 1(0 - 0)
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