Published on: Dec 7, 2024 12:59 am IST|Updated on: Dec 6, 2024 1:17 pm IST
Manchester United will be eager to put their midweek disappointment behind them when they face Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford on Saturday (7 December 2024). After a tough 2-0 defeat at Arsenal, United aims to reclaim momentum and push for a top-four spot, while Forest—fresh off a 3-0 loss to Manchester City—will look to bounce back with an upset.
PL fixture: Manchester United vs Nottingham Forest Competition: Premier League 2024-25 Date: 7 December 2024 Kick-Off time: 11 PM IST Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester
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Ruben Amorim’s Man United side had been on a strong unbeaten run until their setback against Arsenal. With five wins, four draws, and five defeats, United currently sit 11th in the table, far from where they want to be. At Old Trafford, however, they’ve been impressive, securing six wins and a draw from their last seven matches in all competitions, scoring 20 goals and conceding just six. The return to home turf will boost their confidence, and they are looking to maintain their perfect record at home against Forest in the Premier League.
United will look to Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford to ignite their attack. Fernandes’ creative spark and Rashford’s pace will be key in breaking down Forest’s defense.
Nottingham Forest’s season has been one of surprises, with strong performances early on, but they’ve hit a rough patch recently. Losing three of their last four matches, including a heavy defeat to Man City, they need to bounce back if they are to stay in the top half of the table. Despite this, they boast the third-best away record this season with 11 points from seven matches, showing that they can compete on the road. Their aim will be to end their Old Trafford drought and secure their first back-to-back Premier League wins over Manchester United since 1992.
Forest’s counter-attacking strategy, led by the ever-dangerous Morgan Gibbs-White and Chris Wood, will test United’s backline, which has looked solid at home.
If Forest can exploit United’s high press, they could cause some problems, but they will have to be more clinical than in their last outing at the Etihad.
Manchester United has been dominant over Forest at home, winning six out of their last seven meetings at Old Trafford. They have also scored in every single Premier League encounter with Forest, which will give them confidence heading into this match. Forest’s most recent win at Old Trafford came in 1992, and although they have made strides this season, upsetting United on their own turf will be a significant challenge.
GK: Onana
DEF: Murillo, Dalot, Martinez, Aina
MID: Fernandes, Hudson-Odoi, Anderson, Mainoo
ST: Diallo, Wood
Onana; Yoro, De Ligt, Martinez, Dalot; Casemiro, Mainoo, Fernandes; Diallo, Rashford, Zirkzee
Sels; Aina, Milenkovic, Murillo, Moreno; Yates, Anderson; Hudson-Odoi, Gibbs-White, Elanga; Wood
United will likely look to dominate possession and push forward with pace, using their attacking talent to break through Forest’s defense. Forest, on the other hand, will rely on their well-drilled defense and counter-attacking prowess. With dangerous players like Elanga and Gibbs-White, they can hit United on the break, especially if United overcommits in attack. Forest’s ability to maintain defensive solidity while being clinical in attack will be key if they want to take anything from Old Trafford.
Prediction: Manchester United 2-0 Nottingham Forest
United’s home form and the talent at their disposal should see them come out on top in this contest. Forest will make it difficult, especially on the counter, but United’s defensive stability and attacking quality should ensure a comfortable victory. With both teams eager to recover from midweek defeats, expect an intense clash, but the Red Devils should have enough to seal the win and keep their top-four hopes alive.
Man Utd 4/6
Draw 16/5
Nottingham Forest 9/2
Likely Result – Manchester United Win