Nottingham Forest vs. Manchester United FA Cup Match Analysis
Nottingham Forest will host Manchester United at the City Ground on Wednesday night for an FA Cup fifth-round match.
Match Preview
A week after securing three important Premier League points in a 2-0 home win against West Ham United, Nottingham Forest faced a 4-2 defeat away to Aston Villa last Saturday.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s team is still in the relegation battle, just four points above the drop zone.
This week, they dropped to 17th place in the league because Everton’s 10-point penalty for breaking financial rules was lowered to six points after they appealed.
The Tricky Trees now focus on Wednesday’s FA Cup match with Man United as they aim to progress to the quarter-finals for the second time this season.
Forest reached the fifth round this season after winning replays against League One side Blackpool and Championship team Bristol City in the previous rounds.
They won 5-3 on penalties against Bristol City earlier this month.
On the other hand, Man United went into last weekend’s league game against Fulham in good spirits after a four-game winning streak in February.
However, they were defeated 2-1 by Fulham at Old Trafford, damaging their hopes for a top-four finish.
The Red Devils lacked a cutting edge in the final third and are currently sixth in the table, eight points behind fourth-placed Aston Villa with 12 matches remaining, including a tough trip to reigning champions Man City on Sunday.
Man United’s main chance for silverware this season is the FA Cup.
They have won it 12 times but not since 2016. They have progressed beyond the fifth round in six of the last seven seasons.
Erik ten Hag’s team defeated Wigan Athletic and Newport County to reach the fifth round this season.
A win on Wednesday would see them reach the FA Cup quarter-finals for the 48th time.
Prediction: Nottingham Forest 1-2 Manchester United
While Premier League survival is Nottingham Forest’s main focus, a win on Wednesday against Man United, whom they have beaten before this season, could boost their form in the upcoming weeks.
A closely contested match is expected at the City Ground, possibly extending beyond 90 minutes now that replays have been eliminated from this stage onwards.
- Prediction: Draw
- Betting Tip: Over 2.5 Goals
If the Red Devils can regain their attacking prowess, they might do enough to secure a spot in the quarter-finals.
Possible Starting Lineups
Nottingham Forest: (4-2-3-1)
Sels;
Montiel, Felipe, Murillo, Niakhate;
Danilo, Dominguez;
Elanga, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi;
Origi
Manchester United: (4-2-3-1)
Onana;
Dalot, Varane, Evans, Lindelof;
McTominay, Mainoo;
Forson, Fernandes, Garnacho;
Rashford