Manchester United are set to play their final match of a rocky 2023, when they visit Nottingham Forest on Saturday. Following an inspiring comeback against Aston Villa, Erik Ten Hag’s side will want to continue that good feeling and go into the new year on a high.
Team News
There are so many things to be said about the missing personnel in both teams. Nottingham Forest are still without the trio of Taiwo Awoniyi, Serge Aurier and Felipe, who are all having troubles with groin, calf and hamstring respectively. Another player to be out is Ibrahim Sangare, but his problem is the suspension, so he will have to sit this one out. The good news for the hosts will be the fact Willy Boly is getting back from his suspension and it remains to be seen which centre-back will he replace in defence, Ola Aina or Moussa Niakhate.
Manchester United, on the other hand, are in even worse situation. In defence, there will be no Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, Victor Lindelof, Tyrell Malacia or Luke Shaw. In midfield, Casemiro is still having thigh problems, Sofyan Amrabat will not feature for unspecified reasons, while Mason Mount is still recovering from his calf injury. Then there is Anthony Martial who is ill and unable to help out, while Amad Diallo has knee problems which will keep him out too. This means we could see some changes in the lineup and it will be particularly interesting to see who gets the nod at left-back, Sergio Reguilon or Dioog Dalot.
Form Guide
Nottingham Forest are not expecting this match in great form, but it seems they are on the rise. Following the arrival of Nuno Espirito Santo as their new manager, things have slightly improved. Following a run of six losses and a draw in their past seven matches, Nottingham Forest went to Newcastle and defeated the hosts 3-1 just three days ago. If anyone knows how tricky Newcastle are, that is Man United, who already suffered two losses to the Magpies this season. Forest’s previous win was in early November, so this victory against Newcastle will definitely be a big boost for Espirito Santo’s side.
As for Man United, things are as usual as this entire campaign. Things are going up and down from match to match, but mostly down. This time, United are expecting the match in a slightly better mood, after beating Aston Villa 3-2 following a big comeback in the second half. But this was yet another match in which the Devils have shown their weaknesses – the weaknesses which the likes of West Ham and Bournemouth recently managed to get the most out of, with two comfortable wins. If United win their final match of 2023, they will get consecutive wins (in all competitions) for the first time since November.
Predicted Outcome
Considering everything, we predict Manchester United will beat Nottingham Forest 2-1. Man United will not shine, but they will get the job done and end 2023 in good mood, with consecutive Premier League wins to get closer to the top four race.
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