Nottingham Forest v Man Utd: Prediction, tips and bet builder as Red Devils upset Tricky Trees

Nottingham Forest return to Premier League action on Tuesday night, hosting Manchester United at the City Ground. Forest secured their spot in the FA Cup semi-final with a penalty shootout victory against Brighton at the weekend, earning a trip to Wembley.

We've picked out our favourite bets for the fixture, including a brave outside shot

 

Nottingham Forest v Man Utd betting tips

Man Utd to win - 2/1

Over 2.5 goals and both teams to score - 6/5

Bruno Fernandes: Over 1.5 shots on target - 11/8

If you're brave enough to throw these bets together, then the Bet Builder pays 10/1!

 

Nottingham Forest v Man Utd betting preview

United are considered underdogs against a Forest side that are on course for a Champions League position, but they may be able to exploit the hosts tired legs to win back-to-back Premier League fixtures for the first time this season.

Forest have defied expectations and are on the cusp of a return to European football. They are unbeaten in their last 10 home matches and have been in good form.

Despite their obvious shortcomings, United have made a habit of turning up when visiting the better sides this season, including Liverpool, Man City, and Arsenal.

The Red Devils should be well-rested and will be looking to capitalize on the return to fitness of several key players.

Forest will be without Chris Wood, who missed the previous match due to an injury picked up during the international break. Morgan Gibbs-White may also be unavailable, having suffered a collision during the Brighton game. 

Saturday’s grueling FA Cup clash saw Forest forced to defend manfully for large parts of the second half and during extra-time before the Tricky Trees eventually advanced via penalties after 120+ minutes of football.

Not only is that bound to take a physical toll on the players, but it wouldn’t be human if the mental component of such an achievement didn’t lead to a drop off here. It’s not uncommon for a team’s form to fall off of a cliff between two big cup ties.

We’re not suggesting that’s what will happen, but it would be understandable if Forest are a little flat and leggy at times during Tuesday’s contest. It’s brave, but we’re siding with United.

The other angle to consider is that while Forest usually play out lower-scoring matches, tired minds and heavy legs may allow United to create a big more and push high up the pitch.

Ruben Amorim’s side will need to strike a balance between being aggressive and guarding against Forest’s counterattack, which they look incapable of doing. For that reason, we also expect goals in this fixture.

Another angle we want to exploit is the performances of Bruno Fernandes. He's almost always the catalyst for anything good that United do, and he'll be especially important in finding the space against a well-organised side.

A byproduct of the way Forest defends deep and packs that box may be space opens up for Bruno to have a few cracks from distance, which he's never shy to do. We'll back him to test Sels at least twice.

 

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