Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the English Premier League match.
Nottingham Forest continue to push on all fronts, while Manchester United are clinging to relevance solely through their Europa League campaign. Nottingham Forest are considered to have a slight advantage in this match, though their likelihood of winning at home might not be as high as some would anticipate.
Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest are now firmly third in the Premier League and have also reached the FA Cup semi-finals, having edged Brighton on penalties (4:3) after a goalless 120 minutes. The lack of goals was no surprise given the absence of top scorer Chris Wood, who remains sidelined with a groin injury picked up on international duty. To make matters worse, midfield engine Morgan Gibbs-White took a heavy knock in that cup tie and remains a doubt, with a final decision expected just before kick-off.
Manchester United
Manchester United, sitting 13th in the league, crashed out of the FA Cup earlier and haven’t played for two weeks. The break hasn’t exactly helped the injury situation — the list is still worryingly long. But there is some good news: Harry Maguire and Leny Yoro have cleared fitness tests and will be available. That gives Erik ten Hag a bit of flexibility in defence, which is much-needed. Against Leicester City, Manchester United lined up with a patched-together back three of Matthijs de Ligt, Victor Lindelöf, and 18-year-old Arsenal academy product Ayden Heaven. They managed a clean sheet on that occasion, but keeping Nottingham Forest at bay may be a tougher task.
Nottingham Forest vs Manchester United Prediction
With key absentees on both sides, especially in attack and midfield, the quality in the final third may suffer.
