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Manchester United vs Nottingham Forest Preview: Team News, Possible Line-ups, Stats, Predictions

Published

3 May 2024, 01:34 am

Manchester United vs Nottingham Forest Preview: Both teams will go for the three points in this premier league clash.

Last season, the Red Devils clinched third in the Premier League, ending on a high with four consecutive wins, setting high hopes for the next season.

Yet, the beginning of this season under Erik ten Hag has been somewhat subdued, and it seems they might face a challenge against a Nottingham Forest side that’s already shown some mettle.

Forest held their own in a 2-1 defeat to Arsenal during the season’s kickoff and followed it up with a matching 2-1 win over Sheffield United.”

Table of Contents

TEAMS NEWS

United will miss the services of their recent acquisition, Mason Mount, who might be sidelined for as long as six weeks due to an injury he sustained against Spurs.

Christian Eriksen is expected to step in as his replacement. Meanwhile, left-back Luke Shaw will also be taking a break due to a muscle issue.

Harry Maguire is back in form, and there’s a chance for Rasmus Hojlund to make his eagerly anticipated debut, though it might be from the bench.

As for Forest, they’ll be without Wayne Hennessey, Felipe, and Omar Richards.

Ola Aina’s participation is uncertain due to a recent training injury, but newly loaned Gonzalo Montiel might make his debut appearance

The stats

United have not impressed in their opening two games but their 1-0 victory over Wolves means they are unbeaten in 19 Premier League home matches.

Forest, meanwhile, have struggled on their travels and since being promoted to the Premier League have won only one of their 20 away league games.

Forest are often good for a goal, though, and have seen both teams score in seven of their last eight away league matches.

United and Forest met four times in all competitions last season and the Red Devils won each encounter, scoring at least twice on each occasion.

Prediction

United fans will be desperate to see some fight and energy from their team after last weekend’s 2-0 defeat at Tottenham.

The manner of their opening two performances makes them difficult to trust but they have been pretty reliable at Old Trafford in recent years and should have enough to find the winning formula.

The Red Devils have not lost a home league game since losing 2-1 to Brighton in August of last year and they won all four meetings with Forest last season.

Forest scored in each of their final seven away games last season, which includes twice on trips to Liverpool and Chelsea, while they also netted in a 2-1 loss at Arsenal in their opening fixture on the road.

Possible Line-ups

Manchester United
Goalkeeper: Andre Onana
Defenders: Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Raphael Varane, Victor Lindelof, Lisandro Martinez
Midfielders: Casemiro, Christian Eriksen, Bruno Fernandes
Attackers: Anthony, Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial

Nottingham Forest
Goalkeeper: Matt Tuner
Defenders: Serge Aurier, Willy Boly, Joe Worrall, Scott McKenna, Neco Williams
Midfielders: Ryan Yates, Orel Mangala
Attackers: Brenan Johnson, Morgan Gibbs-white, Taiwo Awoniyi