Nottingham Forest vs Manchester United Prediction 25.01.2023

• Competition: England - EFL (Carabao) Cup
• Date: Wednesday, 25th, January 2023
• Kickoff: 20:00 UK / 21.00 CET
• Venue: City Ground (Nottingham)

Nottingham, the giants of the late 1970s and former two-time European champions, returned to the big gates last spring for the first time in 23 years, after they were better than Sheffield United on penalty "roulette". During the summer, the club seriously strengthened and brought in a record number of players in order to keep the status of the first division in the debut season. The popular "The Tricky Trees" did not have a promising start to the season, but significant progress in recent weeks has allowed them to escape the danger zone, and they are currently 13th in the table with 21 points, which is four more than the first team below the line.

The impression is that Manchester United have not played this kind of football since the era of Scotsman Sir Alex Ferguson. The former coach of Ajax, Eric ten Hag, completely reborn "The Red Devils" and returned them to where they belong - in the top of English football. However, United failed to complicate the race for the Premier League title at the weekend, as they lost 2-3 to Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. Despite the heavy defeat, the club from Old Trafford remained in fourth place with 39 points won, which is six more than fifth-placed Tottenham, but with a match more.

Nottingham Forest vs Manchester United Betting Tips: BTTS

What should be noted is that Nottingham was Manchester's regular customer, given that each of the previous seven meetings have ended in United's favour,  ncluding the first of the current campaign, when it was a routine 3-0 at Old Trafford.

Nottingham's drive to the semi-finals of this year's edition of the EFL or Carabao Cup was comfortable. After bypassing Grimsby (3-0), Tottenham (2-0), Blackburn Rovers (4-1), they appeared the first serious obstacle on the way in the form of Wolves, which they won only after penalty roulette (4-3).

After a gloomy start to the season, the sun shone on Nottingham, because the players of that club have found a very decent form in recent weeks, especially at home, which is confirmed by the results. They tied eight games without defeat in all competitions - a streak that includes triumphs over Liverpool (1-0) and Tottenham (2-0), as well as a 1-1 draw with Chelsea.

The home field is the strongest weapon with which Nottingham currently disposes this season. This is best illustrated by the fact that they won 15 of the total 21 points right in front of their fans. The realization in front of goal also works impeccably well for them, since they shaken the opponent's net 13 times (out of 16 in total) at home.

However, the main problem this season for the team from City Ground is definitely a defensive line that does not have enough quality to stop the best English clubs. They conceded as many as 18 goals from five clashes against the current top 5 teams of the Premier League, so that data does not give them much hope before the Wednesday duel.

Manchester, a club that has lifted the Carabao Cup trophy five times in its history, reached the semi-finals of this year's edition of the competition very easily. On the way to this stage, United eliminated Aston Villa (4-2), Burnley (2-0), and in the quarter-finals they were better than Charlton with a routine 3-0.

Namely, The Red Devils are just two steps away from returning the EFL Cup trophy to their "showcases" for the first time in six years. It can be said that Eric ten Hag has found a winning formula. Moreover, the defeat against Arsenal was the only failure for the club from Old Trafford, who had previously gone 11 games without defeat, winning as many as 10.

What the Dutchman is particularly pleases is that his team's offensive performance is getting better, with United scoring at least two goals in 7 of their last 9 games. The problem of this team is somewhat weaker editions on away games. They won only twice in the last six away games, conceding at least a goal in 6/7.

United is the favorite in this duel, but Nottingham is a tough nut to crack at its "City Ground". Namely, "The Tricky Trees" will aim to leave a strong impression in front of their fans in the first leg, so we expect an efficient and open duel with plenty of chances, and at least a goal on both sides.