Manchester United vs Nottingham Forest Match Preview: Kick-off time, TV Channel, Team News and Score Prediction

The Premier League is back as an added Christmas gift for anyone who was suffering from withdrawal from the lack of England’s prime competition. Manchester United will be hoping Nottingham Forest arrive at Old Trafford bearing belated Christmas gifts as the Reds hope to continue their form with a win on Wednesday night. United host Forest in the top flight for the first time since Boxing day 1998, the same season the reds picked up the famed treble. United’s ambitions may not match the lofty ambitions of yesteryear but as Erik ten Hag seeks to cement his side in the top four, Forest’s visit provides an excellent oppurtunity to gain ground on those above.

How do Manchester United look?

The Reds that weren’t involved in the latter stages of the World Cup hit the ground running with a return and win vs Burnley. The 2-0 victory doesn’t paint the picture of the resilient and efficient United display. Vincent Kompany’s Clarets have a quality and way of playing that should ensure a swift return to the top flight so they were no pushovers. An early Christian Eriksen goal opened the scoring with Marcus Rashford sealing the victory with a sensational solo goal. Rashford is on fire to say the least and is definitely one to watch in this game.

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With Raphael Varane on a break and Lisandro Martinez still enjoying his world Champion high, they will be unavailable for this tie. Harry Maguire was unwell so missed the United’s cup game, but could be in contention to start at the back.

Casemiro filled in at centre-back and didn’t look out of place but the hope is the Brazillian can add some much-needed steel to the midfield. Jadon Sancho will not feature as he is still completing a mental and physical fitness programme.

Opposition: Nottingham Forest

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Nottingham Forest’s return to the top flight following their Championship playoff victory was a welcome one. A real stalwart in English football, retaking their place amongst the nation’s elite clubs. After their window, even as a neutral you couldn’t help but be excited by the names and the number of names being brought in. However, Forest sit in 19th in the league and look disjointed on the pitch.

One player they did bring in was Jesse Lingard who left Old Trafford as a free agent in the summer after his contract expired. Lingard will be keen to impress against what is his boyhood club, especially as the now 30-year-old feels aggrieved by the way his United career came to an end. The United-Forest links don’t end there as Forest will be without their no.1 as Dean Henderson, United’s bitter loanee will be forced to watch from the stands due to parent club restrictions.

Key stats

The last time both sides met, United put eight past Forest at the City Ground in February 1999.

Manchester United have scored more goals from fast breaks than any other side in the Premier League this season (5). These goals account for 25% of their total so far this term (5/20), also a league-high.

Manchester United have won four of their last five Premier League home games (D1), keeping a clean sheet in each of the last three. They last went four consecutive home league games without conceding between February-June 2020.

Prediction

Manchester United 3-0 Nottingham Forest

In all honesty, it’s a game United should not have to much trouble in, at home, with some of our forward-thinking players in top form – it’s hard to look past a comprehensive victory.