Game Week 30 Predictions: Forest to beat Manchester United at the City Ground

Nottingham Forest hosts Man United in a crucial clash. Forest eyes UCL football, while United fights to climb the table. Can Amorim's men avoid a loss

Nottingham Forest must beat Manchester United to keep European football hopes alive while the Red Devils must avoid another defeat in their pursuit of a top-ten finish. (Photo credit: Opta)

 

Nottingham Forest vs Manchester United

The City Ground

8:00pm

It’s strange to see that Forest is fighting for European football, and mathematically, they’re still in the title race, while Manchester United needs wins to steer clear of the relegation zone. Strange indeed.

Ruben Amorim’s team has flattered to deceive so much, but they still retain the hope of winning a trophy this season as they’re in the last eight of the Europa League. Would triumph in the Europa League erase United’s disappointing league run?

Nottingham Forest is in the semifinals of the FA Cup after they beat Brighton on penalties at the weekend. It’s their first Wembley visit since 1991, and they’re buzzing. It keeps getting better for Nuno Espirito Santo; with UCL football in sight, they can dream on.

How are they doing it? Defensively, Forest has been solid. They have the highest clean sheet this season and could well see their goalkeeper, Matt Selz, win the golden glove while their back four has been mean to opposing attackers; with Chris Wood rolling back the years, they have an unlikely golden boot hopeful upfront. What a season they’re having!

For Manchester United, there are lots of things going on at their end; their wingers who left them are doing great on loan, Marcus Rashford scored twice for Villa in their FA Cup success at the weekend, while Antony has rediscovered himself at Real Betis. Is United the problem?

Nottingham Forest is the clear favourite for this fixture, and it adds to the surprise on the cards. United must do all they can to avoid defeat as they hope to climb into the top ten; a win won’t shoot them to the top ten, but a defeat or points drop would damage their hopes further.

Forest continues to sweat on the fitness of Chris Wood, while Morgan Gibbs White will be assessed ahead of kickoff as he’s carrying a knock, and outside that, everyone else is fit for Forest. With City already taken down at the City Ground, Forest would hope to do the Manchester double on Tuesday.

For United, Patrick Dorgu is back having served his three-match ban; Altay Bayindir was seen in training while Ayden Heaven is going to be assessed. Kobbie Mainoo could feature, and Harry Maguire has been passed fit.

United cannot afford to hand Forest the initiative on Tuesday; they must match them wit for wit fearlessly. A loss here for Manchester United could cast further doubts around the credibility of Ruben Amorim; he needs to give the travelling fans something to cheer.

Verdict: Forest to win