Man Utd v Nottingham Forest – Preview, Predictions, and Best Bets

Man Utd host Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford on Saturday. The Red Devils have looked a long way below their best this season whilst Forest got a win under their belts last week at home. Steve Cooper’s side are poor travellers and have their last 10 meetings versus United with 36 goals conceded.

Man Utd Form

It’s not been a good start to the season for Erik Ten Hag’s team. They were very fortunate to beat Wolves in their first match as they allowed 18 second-half shots and should have conceded a late penalty. A 2-0 loss at Tottenham followed despite winning the xG battle and shot count. United were poor in the second half after dominating the first 35 minutes.

Going back to last season, United are 18 league matches unbeaten at Old Trafford with 15 wins and three draws. They won their final four league fixtures of last season before losing 2-1 to Man City in the FA Cup final. Their 10 goals conceded at home was the best record last season.

Man Utd Team News

Ten Hag has lost Mason Mount to a thigh injury and he will miss a few weeks of action. Christian Eriksen will come into the XI to replace him alongside Casemiro. Harry Maguire has a knock but wouldn’t have featured anyway.

Rasmus Hojlund is still not ready to be involved but Anthony Martial could be handed a start with Marcus Rashford back on the left. Jadon Sancho is another who will hope to be recalled with Antony not set the world alight down the right wing.

Man Utd Motivation

Motivation will be very high to win this match. At home, United plays on the front foot and with confidence and they will want a convincing scoreline too.

A draw would sound the alarm bells and Ten Hag will be demanding a response to the poor second-half displays against both Wolves and Tottenham.

Forest Form

Steve Cooper’s charges have one loss and one win this season. On the opening day, they were beaten 2-1 at Arsenal but they gave a good account of themselves. Last Friday, they scored late to beat Sheffield United 2-1 at home. They outshot The Blades 16-7 and put up 1.39 xG. Their last eight league matches have seen four wins and two draws having won just three of their previous 17 fixtures.

On their travel, Forest were the lowest scorers last season and they’ve won just one of their last 20 away Premier League fixtures. There have been 14 losses during that run and just five draws. Striker Taiwo Awoniyi has scored in his last six league appearances with two braces giving him a return of eight goals.

Forest Team News

Ola Aina missed the last match with a groin injury so Neco Williams is on standby to cover as left wingback. Former Atletico Madrid central defender Felipe has been out injured and this match may come too soon.

Anthony Elanga will be desperate for minutes against his former club but may have to settle for a spot on the bench again. Omar Richards and goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey are the two other absentees for this one.

Forest Motivation

Considering their dire away form, a point at Old Trafford would feel like a win. Steve Cooper could go with a back five again but the question is whether he uses just two central midfielders or recalls Ryan Yates.

Forest will look to stay alive in the match and look to score late to take something. With Elanga and Chris Wood on the bench, there is some decent firepower.

Key Stats

Man Utd’s last 14 EPL matches have seen Under 2.5 goals on 12 occasions

Man Utd have won 15 of their last 18 home EPL matches (just 7 goals conceded)

United have won 6 home EPL matches in a row

Man Utd’s Rashford scored 20 goals in 30 home matches last term (all competitions)

Nottingham Forest scored a league-low 11 EPL away goals last season

Forest took just eight points at home in 19 league matches last season (1 win)

Nottm Forest have lost 10 matches in a row to Man Utd (all competitions

Verdict

United have been a real let-down this season but have a great record vs. Forest. The visitors are just so poor on the road that this feels like a home banker. This may be the game where Marcus Rashford gets back to scoring ways, particularly if he is used down the left wing.

Best Bet: Man Utd to Win and Rashford to score anytime at 2.16

Alternative Bet: Man Utd win to zero at 2.25

Build-a-bet: Man Utd to score 1-4 goals, Rashford and Fernandes to both score anytime at 7.72

James O'Connor

James is a football analyst who writes about the tactics of the PSL and English Premier League. He holds the UEFA A coaching licence and has previously worked for several clubs in analysis roles.Twitter: https://twitter.com/footy_analysis