Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 4/6
Bookmaker: Luckster
Two sides who will be looking to pick up back-to-back Premier League victories this weekend, Manchester United will travel to Nottingham Forest on Saturday evening.
Nottingham Forest
Starting with the hosts, while Nottingham Forest might have opened Nuno Espirito Santo’s tenure with a heartbreaking 3-2 loss against Bournemouth last weekend, the former Wolves boss saw his new squad come roaring back in some style on Boxing Day. Producing a stunning comeback away at top-four contenders Newcastle as they eventually snatched a 3-1 victory, the one-time European champions will be desperate to use that performance as a platform to build on. Still battling it out at the foot of the Premier League table and looking over their shoulder at a looming relegation scrap, Nottingham Forest will also know the importance of finding some crucial stability at the City Ground. Including that action-packed 3-2 defeat against Bournemouth last week, Santo’s men have lost all of their four Premier League appearances in front of their own supporters since returning from November’s international break.
Team News
Picking up a costly booking against Newcastle earlier in the week, summer recruit Ibrahim Sangare will serve a one-match suspension here. However, serving his own respective ban on Boxing Day, Willy Boly could be handed a full recall at the City Ground.
Bagging a stunning Premier League hat-trick away at former club Newcastle on Boxing Day, New Zealand international Chris Wood will once again spearhead Santo’s attack here. Making just a fourth top-flight start of the season at St. James’ Park, ex-Chelsea star Callum Hodson-Odoi will join Wood in the final third.
Manchester United
As for the visitors, while Manchester United might have come under a huge amount of scrutiny this season, Erik ten Hag’s men did mount their own remarkable comeback on Boxing Day. Producing a stunning second half performance at Old Trafford and snatching a 3-2 victory against Aston Villa, the former Ajax boss certainly eased some of the mounting pressure on his shoulders. However, winning just a pair of their previous eight appearances across all competitions and watching their Champions League adventure come to an abrupt end earlier in the month, United have continued to show some glaring issues on the road. Last seen away from Old Trafford getting hit with a 2-0 defeat at the hands of West Ham, ten Hag’s men have failed to win any of their previous four showdowns outside of Manchester. Facing a real uphill battle in their bid to claim another top-four finish, United will be desperate to make another statement here.
Team News
All still dealing with respective injury issues, Manchester United will be unable to call upon the likes of Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, Mason Mount and Casemiro at the City Ground. Undergoing surgery last week, Swedish defender Victor Lindelof faces a lengthy stint on the sidelines and will not feature in Nottingham.
Bagging a first Premier League strike at Old Trafford earlier in the week, summer recruit Rasmus Hojlund will lead ten Hag’s charge here. Likewise, recording a brace against Aston Villa on Boxing Day, Alejandro Garnacho will partner Hojlund in attack.
Key Factors to Consider
- When Nottingham Forest and Manchester United last met back on April 16th, the Red Devils picked up a 2-0 victory on the road.
- Likewise, ten Hag’s men clinched back-to-back Premier League wins against Forest last season by an aggregate score of 5-0.
- Nottingham Forest’s 3-1 victory against Newcastle on Boxing Day drew a line under their seven-match winless run.
- Manchester United have failed to win any of their previous four showdowns away from Old Trafford.
- Forest have lost all of their last four appearances at the City Ground by an aggregate score of 9-4.
Conclusion
Two sides who mounted their own respective comebacks on Boxing Day, we could be treated to an enjoyable affair from the City Ground this weekend. With both Nottingham Forest and Manchester United showing their own glaring defensive issues this season, we are expecting what could be a pulsating affair on Saturday evening. Likewise, with Santo’s new squad seeing three of their previous four Premier League appearances finish with both teams finding the net, we are expecting a similar outcome here.
Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 4/6
Bookmaker: Luckster
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