Nottingham Forest – Manchester United
The Premier League continues to be played in the days between the years. After the 19th matchday took place around the Christmas holidays, the 20th matchday is still on the agenda for most teams before New Year’s Eve. The players on the island therefore have little respite, as most clubs had three games in the space of eight days. This includes Nottingham Forest and Manchester United, who face each other at the Nottingham City Ground on Saturday. Find out who can prevail in this duel in our Nottingham – Man United betting tip.
Nottingham were surprisingly able to secure an away win against strong Newcastle on Boxing Day. This was an extremely important win for coach Nuno Espírito Santo’s team in the fight against relegation. Now another strong opponent awaits Garibaldi Reds in the shape of Man United. United also won against a strong opponent on Boxing Day. The 3-2 win against Aston Villa put United back on the road to success and at the top of the chasing pack for the international places
Nottingham – Man United info
- Date & Time: 30.12.2023, 18:30 hrs.
- Playing venue: City Ground, Nottingham
- Competition: Premier League, Matchday 20
- TV broadcast: Sky
Nottingham Form & Balance Check
Nottingham finally ended their long losing streak with their recent 3-1 win at Newcastle United. Prior to that, they had gone seven games without a win, just one draw and a shocking six defeats. As a result, the team put itself in the closer circle of relegation candidates. As a result of their latest success, Nottingham are currently in 16th place on 17 points.
However, they are only two points ahead of Luton Town, who are currently in the next relegation spot. Nottingham therefore urgently need more points to maintain or even widen the gap on the teams behind them. The 10-point penalty for Everton FC means that another team has fallen behind Nottingham for the time being, keeping the relegation battle extremely tense. Everton have appealed, however, so the points deduction is not yet final, but should play into Nottingham’s hands if it comes to that
Three-packer Wood
Nottingham striker Chris Wood kicked off the Boxing Day fixtures with a brilliant treble on the final matchday. After former BVB player Alexander Isak had initially put Newcastle ahead with a penalty, Wood turned up the heat and secured the important points for the relegation candidates with his goals in the 45th, 53rd and 60th minutes.
In total, it was goals five, six and seven for Wood, who also contributed an assist in the current season. The win was also the first success for coach Espirito Santo on the Nottingham touchline, who only took over the team two weeks ago and suffered defeat on his debut against Bournemouth.
Nottingham facts & analysis
- In 16th place in the Premier League
- Recently one win after 7 games without a win
- Third most goals conceded in the league
Man United Form & Balance Check
Manchester also ended a short winless streak with their 3-2 victory over Aston Villa. Prior to that, the Red Devils picked up just one point from four competitive games and were bitterly eliminated from the Champions League, among other things, without an international winter. The game against third-placed Aston Villa initially seemed to bring the next disappointment after the Lions were 2-0 up at half-time. After half-time, however, coach Erik ten Hag’s team managed to turn things around and secured victory after a great comeback
Goal drought ended
Rasmus Højlung scored the winner in the latest victory, finally ending his goal drought in the Premier League. The Dane joined United from Bergamo in the summer with high hopes, but has failed to score in 14 league games. The 20-year-old will no doubt be relieved to finally be successful in the league.
In the Premier League, however, Højlung has already shown what he is capable of, scoring five goals in six games. He will be looking to build on his good performances against Nottingham and get his team back to winning ways
Man United facts & analysis
- Sixth place in the table
- Four points from the last three league games
- Fourth-fewest goals scored in the league
Predicted line-up – last update on December 29, 2023
Both coaches can draw from the full. We expect Nottingham to field a 4-5-1 formation similar to the one against Newcastle. Espirito Santo’s starting eleven includes ex-Bundesliga players Moussa Niakhaté, formerly of Mainz 05, and Callum Hudson-Odoi, who spent a year at Bayer Leverkusen.
There is also little reason for coach ten Hag to make changes. Now that striker Højlund has finally found his feet, we expect to see him back in the front line, supported by last matchday’s double goalscorer Alejandro Garancho
Nottingham – Man United head-to-head & stats
87 times Nottingham Forest have faced Manchester United in history. The Red Devils are clearly ahead in the overall standings and have won 42 of these duels. Nottingham have won 26 games, while 19 have ended in a draw. Man United have won the last eight meetings in the Premier League. United also emerged victorious in the two EFL Cup semi-finals last season
- Nottingsham’s last win was in 1995
- Manchester have won the last ten meetings
- First meeting was a 1-1 draw in 1892
