EPL Betting Preview: Manchester United vs Nottingham Forest – April 1st, 2025

The City Ground is set to host a captivating Premier League clash on Tuesday night as high-flying Nottingham Forest take on a resurgent Manchester United. This fixture marks a pivotal moment for both teams, with Forest looking to solidify their Champions League aspirations and United aiming to secure consecutive league wins for the first time this season.

Historical Context & Recent Encounters

The shifting tides of English football are on full display as Nottingham Forest prepare to host Manchester United at the City Ground. Not long ago, the idea of Forest being favorites against the Red Devils would have sounded far-fetched. However, after a thrilling 3-2 triumph at Old Trafford last December, Forest are aiming to complete their first Premier League double over Manchester United since the 1991-92 season under the legendary Brian Clough.

Nottingham Forest’s impressive home performances have been pivotal to their success throughout the campaign. Nuno’s side are unbeaten in their last eight Premier League games at the City Ground, racking up six victories and earning respectable draws against both title contenders Liverpool and Arsenal.

Manchester United, by contrast, have endured a frustratingly inconsistent league campaign. Despite making progress in the Europa League, the Red Devils have yet to secure consecutive Premier League wins this season, highlighting their ongoing struggles for stability and rhythm.

Nottingham Forest: A Remarkable Rise (Old Glory Days are Back?)

Remarkably sitting third in the Premier League and recently advanced to the FA Cup semi-finals, Nuno Espirito Santo’s side have been one of the standout stories of the 2024-25 season. With 54 points collected from 29 top-flight games (16 wins, 6 draws, and 7 defeats), The Tricky Trees are six points clear of fifth-placed Manchester City.

They have defied expectations, especially after narrowly avoiding relegation last year, finishing 17th.

Forest’s impressive home form has been a key factor, remaining unbeaten in their last eight Premier League games at the City Ground, securing six wins and two draws, including positive results against top sides Liverpool and Arsenal. Their last league outing saw them overcome Ipswich Town 4-2, while a thrilling penalty-shootout win against Brighton & Hove Albion secured their spot in the FA Cup semi-finals.

Forest will be keen to complete a historic league double over Manchester United, having already triumphed 3-2 at Old Trafford in December. The last time they managed this feat was during the 1991-92 campaign under legendary manager Brian Clough.

However, Nuno faces some selection dilemmas. Chris Wood is doubtful due to a hip injury, while Morgan Gibbs-White’s availability remains uncertain after a collision during the FA Cup clash at Brighton. Should Wood miss out, former United forward Anthony Elanga could lead the line, with Jota Silva providing width.

Manchester United: Gearing Up for a Tough Battle

It’s been yet another challenging campaign for the 20-time champions of England, currently languishing in 13th place, a staggering 17 points behind their upcoming opponents. Despite the struggles, latest performances have shown signs of improvement under Ruben Amorim’s guidance.

Manchester United secured a comfortable 4-1 triumph over La Liga side Real Sociedad in the Europa League last-16 and followed that up with a 3-0 victory over a clueless Leicester City side just before the international break.

With Champions League qualification through the league looking increasingly unlikely, manager Ruben Amorim may prioritize the Europa League. Nonetheless, United will be eager to build momentum with a rare consecutive league victory.

The squad has received a boost with the return of several players from injury, including backup goalkeepers Altay Bayindir, and Tom Heaton, as well as centre-backs Leny Yoro and Harry Maguire. However, Luke Shaw remains sidelined, while the likes of Ayden Heaven, Jonny Evans, Lisandro Martinez, Kobbie Mainoo, and Amad Diallo are definitely ruled out.

Meanwhile, winter signing Patrick Dorgu, having served his suspension, is expected to return to the starting side at The City Ground.

Possible Starting Lineups of Nottingham Forest and Manchester United

Nottingham Forest: Matz Sels – Ola Aina, Nikola Milenkovic, Murillo, Neco Williams – Nicolas Dominguez, Ryan Yates – Jota Silva, Morgan Gibbs-White, Callum Hudson-Odoi – Anthony Elanga. (4-2-3-1)

Manchester United: Andre Onana – Matthijs de Ligt, Harry Maguire, Leny Yoro – Diogo Dalot, Bruno Fernandes, Manuel Ugarte, Patrick Dorgu – Alejandro Garnacho, Joshua Zirkzee – Rasmus Hojlund. (3-4-2-1)

Spooky Express Betting Prediction

Given Nottingham Forest’s impressive home form and Manchester United’s inconsistent league performances, betting markets slightly favor The Tricky Trees with odds of +125.

Manchester United, despite their storied reputation, are considered underdogs at +215, while a draw is priced at +235 according to EveryGame’s latest betting odds on Tuesday morning.

For those seeking value, combining a Nottingham Forest or Draw outcome with Over 2.5 Goals is available at +190. Considering Forest’s scoring prowess at home and United’s need to push forward, this combination bet could be particularly appealing.

Spooky Express Free Play: Nottingham Forest or Draw (1X) and Over 2.5 Goals +190 at EveryGame for 4/10 Units