Prediction: Nottingham Forest vs Sheffield United

Verdict: Nottingham Forest win

Best Odds: 6/5

Bookmaker: Unibet

With a spot in the final of this season’s play-off chase up for grabs on Tuesday night, Nottingham Forest will welcome Sheffield United to the City Ground for their second-leg showdown.

Nottingham Forest

Starting with the hosts, while Nottingham Forest might have opened the 2021/22 campaign in the midst of a real struggle, the one-time European champions have enjoyed a remarkable turnaround. Making the decision to bring in Steve Cooper earlier in the season, the Reds have skyrocketed their way up the Championship table and have gained a long list of admirers in doing so. With it appearing that the mood around the City Ground is at the highest it has been in recent memory, the former Swansea boss now has his sights set on finishing off the job here. Making the trip to Bramall Lane over the weekend as they snatched what could be a crucial first-leg 2-1 win, Forest have also continued to shine on home soil this year. On a run that is highlighted by a thumping 5-1 victory against Swansea on April 30th, Cooper’s side have won each of their last four matchups at the City Ground by an aggregate score of 13.1.

Team News

Making his return from a hamstring injury last weekend, Aston Villa loanee Keinan Davis will be hoping for a full recall to Cooper’s starting XI on Tuesday night.

However, Nottingham Forest will once again be without the duo of Lewis Grabban and Max Lowe here.

Sheffield United

As for the visitors, while Sheffield United might have enjoyed their own boost since bringing back Head Coach Paul Heckingbottom, the Blades know that they face an uphill struggle here. Eventually getting hit with a 2-1 loss when they welcomed Forest to Bramall Lane for their first-leg showdown a few days ago, the Yorkshire-based outfit will be calling on a play-off miracle on Tuesday night. However, while they might have signed off their regular-season run with three straight victories, a run highlighted by a shock 4-0 win against Fulham on May 7th, United have struggled with their consistency on the road. Including a dreadful 4-1 drumming at the hands of Coventry, it should be noted that the midweek guests have recorded just a single victory away from Bramall Lane in their last seven attempts. Likewise, failing to win any of their previous seven meetings against Tuesday’s opponents, Heckingbottom’s men should be in for another stern test.

Team News

Sheffield United skipper and attacking talisman Billy Sharp is once again expected to miss out on Tuesday night due to a calf issue.

Likewise, the Blades could also be without the likes of Charlie Goode, Oliver McBurnie, Jayden Bogle, David McGoldrick, Jack O’Connell and Rhian Brewster.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two sides faced off at Bramall Lane last weekend, Nottingham Forest picked up a 2-1 victory in their first-leg meeting.
• Tuesday’s hosts have won each of their last four matchups at the City Ground by an aggregate score of 13-1.
• Likewise, Forest are unbeaten in each of their last seven meetings against the Blades.
• Sheffield United have managed to record just a single victory in their last seven matchups away from Bramall Lane.
• United have also seen six of their last seven Championship fixtures finish with over 1.5 goals.

Conclusion

Managing to claim a crucial 2-1 victory away at Bramall Lane a few days ago, there is no doubt that Nottingham Forest are simply desperate to finish off the job here. Enjoying what has been a stunning purple patch this season, Cooper’s side have also continued to shine with their displays at the City Ground. Last seen on home soil bagging a 5-1 romp against Swansea, Tuesday’s hosts will be looking to lay down another marker. Likewise, winning each of their last four home fixtures by an aggregate score of 13-1, the former European champions are tipped as a leading contender to make their Premier League return. With Sheffield United only winning one of their previous seven fixtures on the road, we’re backing a home victory for Forest.

Verdict: Nottingham Forest win

Best Odds: 6/5

Bookmaker: Unibet