Manchester United vs Nottingham Forest Predictions
- Only three of Manchester United’s last 14 home goals have come before half-time.
- United have won and scored at least three goals in six of their last ten games.
- Nottingham Forest have conceded three or more goals in five of their last ten away games.
Ten Hag’s United still ticking over nicely
Three goals up from the first-leg, United may not be at full strength for the visit of Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday – but Erik ten Hag’s men should still perform.The Dutchman has instilled a remarkable level of consistency in a side that briefly threatened to join the title race, but may now have to seek their silverware in the cup competitions. The Red Devils have won nine games since the World Cup finished – two more than Man City and four more than Arsenal.
But, the fact that they have played 11 times in just over five weeks means this chance to rest key players is an opportunity Ten Hag cannot ignore. Marcus Rashford, who was denied a goal in his tenth straight game on Saturday by a complicated VAR offside call, is unlikely to start and Christian Eriksen is injured.
United are more potent after the break
Casemiro, whose presence in the midfield makes United’s defence seem much more secure, could feature alongside Fred and Scott McTominay or youngster Kobbie Mainoo. A similar line-up to the one that started against Charlton in the previous round could be selected, but United struggled to really impose themselves until Eriksen and Rashford came off the bench.Only three of United’s last 14 home goals have come before half-time and both of their last two games were still deadlocked at the break, which suggests there is scope to take Draw-Man Utd in the half-time-full-time betting market.
Forest are not big scorers on the road and will again be without injured striker Taiwo Awoniyi and cup-tied new recruit Chris Wood, meaning it will be Sam Surridge or Emmanuel Dennis through the middle.
Forest unlikely to press as aggressively
Steve Cooper’s side were undone by some clever work at the City Ground as United found ways to beat their press and may decide it is better to be less aggressive from the first whistle. The goals appear more likely to come in the second half when legs are tired and Ten Hag unleashes a couple of stars from the bench.A 3-0 correct score bet is recommended because United have won and scored at least three goals in six of their last ten games while Forest have conceded three or more goals in five of their last ten road trips.