Manchester United v Nottingham Forest: Prediction, Tips and Odds

Wednesday’s 2-0 defeat at Arsenal highlighted that there is still plenty of work to be done for new Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim, with his side likely to be provided with another tough test when high-flying Nottingham Forest head to Old Trafford on Saturday.

It has been a mixed start in the United dugout for Amorim, who saw his side draw 1-1 at Ipswich before brushing aside Everton 4-0 in his second league fixture in charge.

However, they were no match for the Gunners in midweek, losing the shot count 14-5 in a routine 2-0 defeat, and they will have to be at their best to overcome the challenge of Nottingham Forest.

The Tricky Trees have lost three of their last four games, but 3-0 defeats at Arsenal and Manchester City can be excused and, despite the dip in form, they remain in seventh in the Premier League, which is three points above the 13th-placed Red Devils.

Manchester United v Nottingham Forest betting tips and predictions

Both teams to score - 3/4

Both teams scored in both league meetings between this pair last season and that trend may continue when they renew their rivalry at Old Trafford.

Forest may have lost three of their last four league games but they also remain the only team in the Premier League to have inflicted defeat on leaders Liverpool this season, having recorded a shock 1-0 win at Anfield.

The Tricky Trees have also played out score draws at Brighton and Chelsea, showing that they can perform against elite Premier League clubs, and they have plenty of weapons to cause problems for an unsettled United defence.

The aerial presence of Chris Wood, who has nine goals in 14 league games this season, combined with the pace and creativity of Anthony Elanga, Morgan Gibbs-White and Callum Hudson-Odoi, shows they have a potent threat and United have conceded in seven of their last 11 home games.

United struggled to deal with Arsenal’s set-piece threat at the Emirates, with Jurrien Timber and William Saliba scoring from in the box, and that is an area Forest will be looking to exploit, with them having netted five goals from corners already this season.

But United’s strength also lies in attack and, having failed to score in only three of their last 17 home league games, they should make their mark against a Forest rearguard which has conceded in seven of their last 10 matches.

Newcastle, Arsenal and City were all able to put three past Nuno Espirito Santo’s side and United, with Marcus Rashford rejuvenated and Alejandro Garnacho looking a constant pest, should find a way to goal at the Theatre of Dreams.

So, with United yet to settle on their preferred backline, with injuries and suspensions having not helped the cause, both teams to score may be a solid wager.

Chris Wood to score at any time - 3/1

Having already racked up nine goals in 14 league appearances, it would be a brave punter to go against Wood at present and the towering Forest forward looks a nice price to add to that tally at Old Trafford.

Wood’s goals come in a variety of ways but his aerial presence could be a thorn in United’s side, especially as they conceded two set-piece goals at Arsenal on Wednesday and looked unable to negate the problem.

Forest have five set-piece goals this season, only two fewer than Arsenal, so Wood should be a big threat from such situations. He also has an excellent strike on him and, with confidence brimming, another goal could be on the cards at Old Trafford.

Ola Aina to be booked - 21/10

There were nine cards shown in this corresponding fixture last season and another feisty affair could be on the horizon with both sides desperate to return to winning ways.

One of those bookings last season was dished out to Forest right-back Ola Aina and, while he has only picked up two yellows in 14 appearances this term, he looks good value for a repeat.

That is because Aina is likely to face up against the pace and guile of Garnacho and the Argentinian’s skillset makes it an extremely tough test.

Garnacho drew four fouls in defeat at Arsenal on Wednesday and his ability to dribble at speed and beat his man means Aina may have no choice but to, at some point, bring him down.

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Manchester United v Nottingham Forest odds

Manchester United - 8/13
Draw - 3/1
Nottingham Forest - 9/2

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.