Prediction: Nottingham Forest vs Manchester United

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 2/3

Bookmaker: Luckster

In an all-Premier League FA Cup showdown on Wednesday night, Manchester United will travel to the City Ground when they meet Nottingham Forest.

Nottingham Forest

Starting with the hosts, making an immediate return to winning ways over the weekend, Nottingham Forest are seeking some crucial stability. Eventually falling to a 4-2 drumming away at Aston Villa, Nuno Espirito Santo still has a real job on his hands at the City Ground. At the heart of a Premier League relegation scrap and with potential sanctions hangover over their head, the Wolves boss is desperate for some crucial stability. Although the Reds might have secured a deserved 2-0 victory against West Ham earlier in the month, that is the only win that Forest have recorded from their previous six showdowns against Premier League opposition. However, edging their way past Championship outfit Bristol City on February 7th following a nail-biting penalties victory on home soil, Santo’s men will be excited by their most recent meeting against Wednesday’s guests. Landing a 2-1 win when they welcomed Manchester United to Nottingham back on December 30th, Forest will be desperate to spring another heavyweight upset here.

Team News

All still dealing with respective injury issues, Nottingham Forest will once again be unable to call upon the likes of Ola Aina, Willy Boly, Ibrahim Sangare, Nuno Tavares and former Newcastle striker Chris Wood on Wednesday night. Returning to Santo’s matchday squad over the weekend, Harry Toffolo could make a first start since February 7th.

Arriving on a short-term loan deal from German giants Borussia Dortmund during January’s transfer window, USA international Giovanni Reyna could make his full Forest debut here. Despite notching just a single goal across any competition this season, ex-Liverpool star Divock Origi will be hoping to lead Santo’s charge.

Manchester United

As for the visitors, while Manchester United might have found themselves at the heart of a real February flurry, Erik ten Hag’s side certainly suffered a real blow over the weekend. Hit with last-gasp heartbreak at Old Trafford as they eventually slumped to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Fulham, there is no doubt that the former Ajax boss will be calling on an immediate response here. Nevertheless, despite watching their five-match winning run come to an abrupt end, the Premier League giants are sat in the driving seat to punch another crucial European ticket in 2024. Nevertheless, suffering just a single loss since opening the New Year, United will be excited by their continued success on the road. Including a stellar 2-1 victory against Aston Villa on February 11th, ten Hag’s men have won all of their previous five showdowns away from Old Trafford by an aggregate score of 14-7.

Team News

Missing out against Fulham over the weekend, Manchester United will once again be without the services of attacking talisman Rasmus Hojlund on Wednesday night. Likewise, all still dealing with respective injury issues, ten Hag’s side will travel to the City Ground without the likes of Mason Mount, Tyrell Malacia, Lisandro Martinez and Anthony Martial.

In what is a huge blow, England international Like Shaw could miss the remainder of the season due to a muscle injury. Expected to make a handful of changes in midweek, the likes of Scott McTominay, Christian Eriksen and Anthony could be handed a full recall here.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Manchester United travelled to the City Ground back on December 30th, Nottingham Forest picked up a 2-1 victory.
• Suffering a 2-1 loss against Fulham over the weekend, that result brought an end to United’s five-match winning run.
• Nottingham Forest have collected just a single win from their previous six showdowns against Premier League opposition.
• United have won their last five showdowns away from Old rafford by an aggregate score of 14-7.
• Six of Forest’s last seven home fixtures across all formats have finished with both teams finding the net.

Conclusion

Eventually falling to a last-gasp 2-1 loss at home against Fulham over the weekend, neutrals could be treated to an enjoyable FA Cup showdown on Wednesday night. Likewise, hit with another 2-1 defeat when they travelled to the City Ground while in Premier League action back on December 30th, chances could fall at both ends of the pitch here. It should also be noted, with Nottingham Forest seeing six of their previous seven showdowns at the City ground finish with both teams finding the net, we are expecting a similar outcome.

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 2/3

Bookmaker: Luckster