In their previous outing, Nottingham Forest secured an impressive 3-1 win against Newcastle United, overcoming a seven-game winless streak in the Premier League. Chris Wood's hat-trick, following Alexander Isak's early goal, fueled the comeback. Despite the win, Forest is currently 17th in the table, just two points above the relegation zone, especially after Luton Town's victory at Sheffield United.
Nuno Espirito Santo, Forest's manager, acknowledges that his team is still in a learning phase under his guidance. Despite the recent success, they are quickly shifting their focus to a challenging encounter against Manchester United, a team they have struggled against for a considerable period. Forest has lost the last 11 meetings with the Red Devils over 28 years, including the last four at the City Ground with an aggregate score of 17-1.
Forest's lone Premier League victory over Manchester United was at Old Trafford in December 1994 (2-1), and their last home win against the Red Devils dates back to March 1992 (1-0) with a goal from Nigel Clough.
Manchester United experienced a festive turnaround in their last game against Aston Villa, coming from two goals down to secure a 3-2 victory. This win, with goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund, propelled them to sixth place in the Premier League, six points behind rivals Manchester City.
As they end 2023 away from Old Trafford, Manchester United has had mixed fortunes on their travels this season, winning four, losing four, and drawing one of their nine away matches. They've scored just eight goals on the road, the joint-fewest, and have failed to score in their last three away games.
Despite their recent away struggles, Manchester United is confident heading into the New Year, as they have not lost their final league game in any of the last 11 calendar years. Additionally, they boast an impressive 11-game winning streak against Nottingham Forest, a record only surpassed against Aston Villa and Wigan Athletic (both 14) in terms of consecutive victories against a single opponent.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
Nottingham Forest is still dealing with the absence of three injured players – Taiwo Awoniyi (groin), Felipe (hamstring), and Serge Aurier (calf). Additionally, Ibrahim Sangare will be unavailable for Saturday's game due to suspension from accumulating yellow cards.However, Willy Boly is back from his one-match ban, providing an option in central defense where he could replace Moussa Niakhate or Ola Aina.
In the midfield, Orel Mangala, Ryan Yates, and Nicolas Dominguez are all vying for a starting position in Sangare's absence. Anthony Elanga, the former Manchester United winger who contributed two assists in the previous game, is expected to join Wood, Morgan Gibbs-White, and Callum Hudson-Odoi in the attacking lineup.
As for Manchester United, Casemiro (thigh), Lisandro Martinez (foot), Mason Mount (calf), Harry Maguire (groin), Tyrell Malacia, Amad Diallo (both knee), and Victor Lindelof (unspecified) continue to be sidelined. Anthony Martial (illness), Luke Shaw, and Sofyan Amrabat (both unspecified) are doubtful for the upcoming game.
While manager Erik ten Hag is unlikely to make extensive changes to the starting lineup, Sergio Reguilon is pushing for a return at left-back, potentially displacing either Diogo Dalot or Aaron Wan-Bissaka. Scott McTominay may also replace either Christian Eriksen or Kobbie Mainoo in center-midfield.
Antony and Facundo Pellistri are eager to secure spots in the starting XI, but Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford are expected to retain their positions on the flanks, with Bruno Fernandes operating behind Rasmus Hojlund up front.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Nottingham Forest possible starting lineup:Turner; Williams, Boly, Murillo, Toffolo; Mangala, Danilo; Elanga, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi; Wood
Manchester United possible starting lineup:
Onana; Dalot, Varane, Evans, Reguilon; Mainoo, McTominay; Garnacho, Fernandes, Rashford; Hojlund
EXPERT PREDICTION
Nottingham Forest 2-3 Manchester United
Nuno's team shouldn't be underestimated on their home turf, especially against a somewhat unpredictable Red Devils side. Nevertheless, we believe that Ten Hag's team will ultimately secure the victory in what promises to be a closely-fought encounter, allowing them to finish 2023 on a positive note.
