Premier League : Nottingham Forest vs Manchester United Live
Preview
The Premier League resumes with a clash between Nottingham Forest and Manchester United at the City Ground, closing Saturday’s action. Nottingham Forest secured a 3-1 away victory against Newcastle United, while Manchester United edged Aston Villa 3-2 at Old Trafford in their recent fixtures. Both teams aim to capitalize on their Boxing Day wins in this upcoming encounter. Kickoff is scheduled for 5:30pm GMT.
Following Steve Cooper’s departure, Nottingham Forest welcomed Nuno Espirito Santo as their new manager, who started with a defeat followed by a notable victory over Newcastle. Despite the uplifting win against Newcastle on Boxing Day, Chris Wood’s hat-trick helped them end a seven-game winless streak but hasn’t significantly altered their position in 17th place. Santo acknowledges the learning process for his team but faces a daunting task against Manchester United, whom Forest have struggled against historically, losing their last 11 meetings and conceding heavily in recent home encounters. Their last victory against United was in 1994.
Manchester United’s season under Erik ten Hag has been inconsistent, winning only half of their games. Despite a challenging period, a remarkable comeback against Aston Villa on Boxing Day sparked hope for a turnaround. Trailing by two goals, Alejandro Garnacho’s brace and Rasmus Hojlund’s late winner led to a crucial victory. The win elevated United to sixth place in the Premier League, now trailing Manchester City by six points. Away form remains a concern with four wins, four losses, and one draw, yet they aim to maintain their tradition of ending the year on a positive note.
Head-to-Head
In their recent clash, Manchester United secured a 3-2 comeback win against Nottingham Forest, with Bruno Fernandes netting the decisive penalty. Forest’s struggles against United span 11 consecutive losses, with notable defeats in recent home games. Their last victory over United dates back to 1994.
Prediction
Both Nottingham Forest and Manchester United aim for a crucial year-end victory to elevate their positions. Nuno Espirito Santo’s influence seems evident at the City Ground, promising an intriguing contest. United’s recent successful system could shine, but Forest’s home strength poses a challenge. Expect a closely contested battle, with United possibly clinching victory based on their historical dominance against Forest.
