The Premier League returns to action after Christmas and Tuesday sees two teams at different ends of the table facing off, as Manchester United host Nottingham Forest.
The hosts are fifth in the table, while the newly promoted side is currently sitting in a relegation spot. Both teams will be dealing with quite a few players being out of action, which will make things quite interesting.
The Red Devils are massive favorites in this contest, but that’s why we’re here to help you find betting value in what should be a one-sided match. Join us as we break down the match in our Manchester United vs. Nottingham Forest picks and predictions for Tuesday, December 27.
Manchester United vs Nottingham Forest best odds
Manchester United vs Nottingham Forest picks and predictions
If Manchester United can replicate their free-flowing attack from their EFL Cup win, it could be quite problematic for Nottingham Forest. Forest have conceded 30 goals this campaign, including six at Manchester City and five at Arsenal just before the World Cup break. In fact, in their seven away matches in the league, they’ve conceded 19 goals and kept just one clean sheet against Brighton.
Those numbers could’ve been even worse if not for the play of keeper Dean Henderson. Nottingham Forest have allowed nearly four fewer goals than expected based on post-shot xG, the second-best mark in the league behind only Man United.
Unfortunately, Henderson is on loan from Manchester United — which means he’s ineligible to play in this match. With backup Wayne Hennessey injured during the World Cup, it leaves Forest likely turning to Jordan Smith, who has never made a Premier League appearance and has just 54 appearances with the club despite being a youth academy product.
In their matches against Leicester, Arsenal, and Manchester City, Nottingham Forest conceded four or more goals, including goals either side of halftime. I expect the same here.
With Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial, and Bruno Fernandes in such solid form at the moment, Forest will struggle without Henderson and multiple defensive starters.
Take Man United to find the back of the net in both halves in what should be an easy win.
My best bet: Manchester United to score in both halves (-104 at FanDuel)
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Manchester United vs Nottingham Forest side analysis
Manchester United’s defense is quite thin as they return from the international break. In addition to the concerns regarding Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez, and Harry Maguire, fullback Diogo Dalot is still recovering from an injury suffered with Portugal. Maguire could be available if he recovers from a virus that kept him out against Burnley.
Nottingham Forest may not have the weapons to take advantage of this situation. They’ve registered just 11 goals so far, and one of those was an own goal. They’ve also had just one player score more than two goals, with only six players scoring at all. Two of those players, Morgan Gibbs-White and Cheikhou Kouyate, will likely miss this match.
There is absolutely no value in the moneyline, as Man United are favored at more than -300 in this match. If you’re going to play a line, I’d look at the halftime/full-time play, or parlay it with something else.
Forest have lost eight of their 15 matches with just three wins, none of which have come away from home. They’ve also lost five of their seven away tilts this season.
Manchester United vs Nottingham Forest Over/Under analysis
Just like the money line, the total of 2.5 is juiced quite strongly towards the Over with -165 being the typical line across the board. The two teams have allowed a combined 50 goals in 29 matches this season, and the absences on both sides are likely to make a high-scoring affair even more probable.
Forest have conceded 19 goals in seven matches away from home, with just one clean sheet. Man United have scored just nine matches in six home matches, conceding four, but they’ve kept three consecutive home clean sheets in league play.
Manchester United vs Nottingham Forest game info
| Location: | Old Trafford, Manchester, England |
| Date: | Tuesday, December 27, 2022 |
| Time: | 3:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | USA Network, NBC Universo |
Manchester United vs Nottingham Forest key injuries
Manchester United: Harry Maguire D (Questionable), Lisandro Martinez D (Doubtful), Raphael Varane D (Doubtful), Diogo Dalot D (Questionable), Jadon Sancho M (Doubtful).
Nottingham Forest: Dean Henderson GK (Out), Cheikhou Kouyate D (Out), Morgan Gibbs-White M (Doubtful), Serge Aurier D (Doubtful), Omar Richards D (Out).
Manchester United vs Nottingham Forest recent form
| Teams | Last five matches |
|---|---|
| Manchester United | W-D-L-W-D |
| Nottingham Forest | W-L-W-D-W |
Manchester United vs Nottingham Forest weather
It looks likely to be a wet and windy day in Manchester on Tuesday. Temps will be in the low 40s, and wind gusts could top over 30 miles per hour.
