Manchester United vs Nottingham Forest Preview – Premier League, December 7, 2024
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The stage is set for an exciting clash as Manchester United take on Nottingham Forest in the English Premier League on Saturday, December 7, 2024. The Red Devils will look to solidify their standing in the league, while Forest will aim to cause an upset and secure crucial points in their campaign.
Event Details
Date: Saturday, December 7, 2024
Competition: English Premier League
Match: Manchester United vs Nottingham Forest
Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester, England
Kickoff Time: 3:00 PM (GMT)
Team Overview
Manchester United
Under Erik ten Hag, Manchester United have shown flashes of brilliance, blending youth and experience. Their home record this season has been formidable, with the team relying heavily on their attacking firepower and the passionate Old Trafford crowd.
Form: Three wins, one draw, and one loss in their last five Premier League matches.
Key Players: Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford, Rasmus Hรธjlund.
Strengths: Creativity in midfield, pace in wide areas, and clinical finishing.
Nottingham Forest
Steve Cooper’s Nottingham Forest have had a mixed season but have shown resilience against stronger opponents. Their ability to defend compactly and strike on the counter has earned them crucial points in challenging fixtures.
Form: One win, two draws, and two losses in their last five games.
Key Players: Morgan Gibbs-White, Taiwo Awoniyi, Willy Boly.
Strengths: Counter-attacking play, set-piece execution, and high work rate.
Team News
Manchester United
United are managing several injuries but boast a deep squad capable of adapting to challenges.
Injury Updates:
Antony: A doubt with a muscle issue.
Raphaรซl Varane: Ruled out due to a recurring injury.
Luke Shaw: Still recovering from a long-term injury.
Casemiro: Suspended following a recent red card.
Suspensions: Casemiro.
Nottingham Forest
Forest, too, have a few injury concerns but will rely on their squad depth to make up for absences.
Injury Updates:
Serge Aurier: A late decision will be made on his fitness.
Danilo: Unavailable due to a muscle strain.
Omar Richards: Still out with a long-term injury.
Suspensions: None.
Possible Lineups
Manchester United (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper: Andrรฉ Onana
Defenders: Diogo Dalot, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martรญnez, Sergio Reguilรณn
Midfielders: Scott McTominay, Sofyan Amrabat
Attackers: Bruno Fernandes, Mason Mount, Marcus Rashford
Forward: Rasmus Hรธjlund
United are likely to control possession and look to exploit Forest’s defensive gaps through their wide players and Bruno Fernandes’ creativity.
Nottingham Forest (3-4-3)
Goalkeeper: Matt Turner
Defenders: Willy Boly, Joe Worrall, Scott McKenna
Midfielders: Serge Aurier, Ryan Yates, Ibrahim Sangarรฉ, Ola Aina
Forwards: Morgan Gibbs-White, Taiwo Awoniyi, Anthony Elanga
Forest will aim to frustrate United with a compact shape, relying on Gibbs-White’s creativity and Awoniyi’s physicality on the counter.
Playing Ground – Old Trafford
Old Trafford, the iconic “Theatre of Dreams,” provides a formidable atmosphere for visiting teams. With over 75,000 passionate fans, the venue will give Manchester United a psychological edge, but Forest have shown they can thrive in challenging environments.
Head-to-Head
Manchester United and Nottingham Forest have a long history, but their encounters in the Premier League have been limited in recent years due to Forest’s extended absence from the top flight.
Last 5 Meetings:
April 2024: Nottingham Forest 0-2 Manchester United (Premier League)
December 2023: Manchester United 3-0 Nottingham Forest (Premier League)
February 2023: Manchester United 2-0 Nottingham Forest (EFL Cup)
January 2023: Nottingham Forest 0-3 Manchester United (EFL Cup)
December 2022: Manchester United 3-0 Nottingham Forest (Premier League)
United have dominated recent meetings, winning all five and keeping clean sheets in each.
Tactical Analysis
Manchester United
United will likely employ a high-pressing approach, aiming to pin Forest deep in their half. Their attacking midfielders will look to create overloads in central areas, while Rashford’s pace and Hรธjlund’s physicality will be key to breaking down Forest’s defense.
Key Tactical Objectives:
Use width to stretch Forest’s backline.
Dominate midfield with quick passing and transitions.
Capitalize on set-pieces and second balls.
Nottingham Forest
Forest’s approach will focus on maintaining defensive solidity while exploiting United’s potential vulnerability to counter-attacks. Gibbs-White’s vision and Awoniyi’s strength in transitions will be crucial.
Key Tactical Objectives:
Stay compact and frustrate United’s attackers.
Target United’s full-backs in counter-attacking situations.
Maximize set-piece opportunities.
Key Players to Watch
Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United): The Portuguese playmaker is United’s creative heartbeat, capable of unlocking defenses with his passing and movement.
Marcus Rashford (Manchester United): With his pace and eye for goal, Rashford will be a constant threat down the left flank.
Morgan Gibbs-White (Nottingham Forest): The attacking midfielder is Forest’s main creative outlet, orchestrating their counter-attacks.
Taiwo Awoniyi (Nottingham Forest): The powerful striker’s ability to hold up play and convert chances will be vital for Forest’s hopes.
Live Stream and Broadcast Information
UK: BT Sport.
USA: NBC Sports, Peacock.
India: Star Sports Select, Disney+ Hotstar.
Global: Check local listings or visit the Premier League’s official website for streaming details.
Prediction
While Nottingham Forest have shown they can compete with the league’s best, Manchester United’s quality and home advantage make them clear favorites. Expect Forest to put up a spirited fight, but United’s attacking firepower should prove decisive.
Predicted Score: Manchester United 2-0 Nottingham Forest