Prediction: Nottingham Forest vs Manchester United

Prediction: Man United win

Best Odds: 4/6

Bookmaker: 888sport

We’re heading back to the wonderful world of the League Cup this week as we approach the semi-final stage of the competition. There are just four clubs remaining in the race to reach Wembley and over the course of two legs and two ties, we’ll discover who will contest the final. Today, we’ll be taking a look at what should be an intriguing first leg between Nottingham Forest and Manchester United at the City Ground.

Nottingham Forest

Nottingham Forest are beginning to find their feet at the elite level after spending some time struggling in the early portion of the campaign. At this point, it’s actually easy to see a route to survival for them, largely due to how poor some of the teams around them have been. In addition to that, their play-off memories will be more than enough to push them on towards a potential return to the home of English football.

Team News

Wood is ineligible to play with Yates being a fitness concern. Elsewhere, the following players are injured: Awoniyi, Kouyate, Richards, Biancone, Niakhate and Henderson.

Manchester United

Manchester United supporters are ready for the good times to roll once again. Erik ten Hag is the man tasked with getting them there and up to this point, we’d say he’s done a pretty stand-up job. United are firing on all cylinders and while there have still been setbacks, things are a bit more consistent. An outside hope of a title push remains, but their primary chance of securing some silverware will be through this method.

Team News

Sancho’s overall fitness is still being questioned after his return to training, whereas van de Beek, Tuanzebe, Dalot and Martial are all injured.

Factors to Consider

• In their last meeting in December, Man United beat Forest 3-0.
• Forest have won two, drawn three and lost one of their last six games.
• Man United have won four, drawn one and lost one of their last six games.
• Forest have scored seven goals and conceded seven in their last six games.
• Man United have scored 14 goals and conceded six in their last six games.

Conclusion

Forest are going to try and impose their will on United pretty early on if only to avoid falling behind and losing momentum. Alas, we just think the gulf in quality will take over, alongside the fact that the Red Devils could sure use a win and a trip to Wembley. We expect the visitors to lead heading into half time and then at full time, giving themselves a 2-1 or 3-1 platform ahead of the second leg at Old Trafford.

Prediction: Man United win

Best Odds: 4/6

Bookmaker: 888sport