Manchester United heads on the road Sunday afternoon to play Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.
Team Form
Nottingham Forest
Forest head coach Cooper has been under much pressure due to his team’s poor performance in the recent springtime matches. However, the team’s owner, Evangelos Marinakis, publicly supported the Welshman before their trip to Villa Park. Despite this, Cooper was warned that immediate improvements in results were necessary.
Unfortunately, the Tricky Trees could not deliver on this demand in their match against Aston Villa, who emerged victorious with goals from Bertrand Traore and Ollie Watkins.
With four defeats from their last five Premier League games, Forest is back in the relegation zone, sitting in 18th place. It’s worth noting, however, that only a better goal difference is keeping Everton in 17th place.
Nottingham Forest PL Form: L L D L L
Man United
In the first leg of the quarter-finals, Marcel Sabitzer’s double gave Manchester United a strong advantage, but the tables turned in the second half, and United scored two own goals through Tyrell Malacia and Harry Maguire. This left the outcome of the tie uncertain ahead of the return leg next week.
Unfortunately for Erik ten Hag’s team, injuries to Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez summed up their disastrous second half.
However, United must now switch its focus to its domestic duties. They are currently fourth in the Premier League, level on points with third-placed Newcastle United but behind on goal difference.
Following back-to-back wins with clean sheets against Brentford and Everton, Manchester United has its Champions League destiny.
However, their last two away Premier League games against Liverpool and Newcastle ended in defeat. The current players could match an unwanted record if they fail to perform well at the City Ground.
Man United PL Form: L D L W W
Squad Report
Nottingham Forest
Cheikhou Kouyate and Moussa Niakhate suffered hamstring injuries, with Niakhate being replaced without a substitution in the match’s closing moments.
Unfortunately, they are not the only ones dealing with injuries. Giulian Biancone is out with a knee injury, while Renan Lodi is nursing a knock. Omar Richards has a calf problem, and Gustavo Scarpa has a knee injury. Meanwhile, Chris Wood, Willy Boly, and Dean Henderson all have thigh injuries.
Ryan Yates is also on the sidelines with a shoulder injury, while Serge Aurier still needs clearance to return to the pitch.
Man United
Manchester United’s draw against Sevilla came at a cost, as they lost Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez to foot injuries.
Unfortunately, Martinez has been ruled out for the remainder of the season due to a metatarsal fracture. However, there is some hope that Varane will return before the end of the campaign.
Marcus Rashford is dealing with a groin issue, while Donny van de Beek is out with a knee problem.
Luke Shaw is nursing a thigh injury, and Tom Heaton and Alejandro Garnacho are both sidelined with ankle injuries.
However, some good news is that Scott McTominay could be back in contention to play after recovering from a knock.
Nottingham Forest’s expected starting lineup:
Navas; Williams, Worrall, Felipe, Toffolo; Freuler, Danilo, Mangala; Gibbs-White, Johnson; Dennis
Manchester United’s expected starting lineup:
De Gea; Dalot, Lindelof, Maguire, Malacia; Fernandes, Casemiro, Eriksen; Antony, Martial, Sancho
Head to Head
Manchester United has the historically upper hand against Nottingham Forest regarding head-to-head encounters.
The two sides have met a total of 108 times, with United emerging victorious in 51 of those matches. In contrast, Nottingham Forest has managed to secure 33 wins.
Time, Date & Venue
Date: Sunday, April 16
Time: 04:30 pm, BST
Venue: The City Ground, Nottingham
Prediction
As both Nottingham Forest and Manchester United head into their upcoming match, injuries could impact the performance of both teams. With numerous players out due to injuries, both teams will not likely be at their best.
On top of the injury concerns, Manchester United’s recent form on the road has also been underwhelming. The team has struggled to perform to their full potential in away matches, which could work in Nottingham Forest’s favor.
