Nottingham Forest FC vs Manchester United FC, Premier League 2022-2023, Today Match Prediction

Nottingham Forest FC vs Manchester United FC Match Prediction & Analysis

Manchester United are facing an injury crisis as we move into the final stages of the season, with the club set to face a number of games without key players.

Marcus Rashford went off last weekend with a groin concern, while Rafa Varane and Lisandro Martinez were taken off during their Europa League game against Sevilla.

They have found some form again in the league, winning their last two games at Old Trafford, although they will face a tricky test to an opponent desperate for points.

Nottingham Forest are looking shaky right now, without a win from their last nine and losing four of their last six. 

It’s a desperately worrying run for Steve Cooper’s team, and you wonder how they’ll pull themselves out of it. Another defeat here could spell disaster.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Nottingham Forest FC Preview

Reasons to be cheerful:

     Could score in their 14th consecutive home league game this season

     Just one defeat from their last 11 home league matches

Reasons to be fearful:

     Have already been beaten three times by United this season

     Nine games without victory is a worrying sign at this stage

Nottingham Forest’s fanbase have endured ups and downs this season – periods where they have enjoyed being back in the Premier League, and patches like now where they fear for their survival.

It would be a shame for a team that spent almost 25 years trying to regain promotion to the top division to go down straight away, but that’s what Steve Cooper and his squad are facing.

It’s the second time this season that Forest have gone nine games without victory, although their home form remains stable. Only Newcastle have beaten them at the City Ground in their last 11 matches.

That said, their next two at home are against Manchester United and Brighton, two teams fighting for the top four. 

They’ve got to start on the front foot here.

Star Man – Brennan Johnson

Johnson has twice as many goals as anyone else in Forest colours this season and his pace troubled United in their first game this season. 

Manchester United FC Preview

Reasons to be cheerful

     Won their last nine fixtures against Forest 

     Will surpass last season’s points tally of 58 with victory

Reasons to be fearful

     Lost three of their last four away games

     Only four teams have conceded more away goals this season

Manchester United’s home form has been exceptional this season, although their results on the road have left much to be desired.

Only four teams have conceded more away from home, while they have lost three of their last four, letting in 12 goals during that time.

They will also have to cope, more than likely, without Varane, Martinez and Rashford. All have sustained injuries within the last week, with their return dates currently unknown.

That said, Casemiro is available for selection again, as is Eriksen, while Anthony Martial is likely to start upfront.

Star Man – Anthony Martial

Martial has had an impressive return from injury and will slot in now in place of Rashford. His pace and ball control make him an ideal number nine when he’s fit and on form.