Nottingham Forest – Manchester Utd

Both clubs will have at least one goal apiece at Nottingham

It would seem that the meeting in Nottingham between the local Foresters and Manchester United players should be absolutely passable for the latter. However, the relationship between the teams in the current season has developed in such a multifaceted way that the cup clash causes increased attention. In the first round of the Premier League Nottingham Forest led 2-0 in the fourth minute of the game at Old Trafford, stunning the Mancunian crowd. However, by the middle of the second half Manchester United managed not only to equalise but also to score the winning goal - 3-2. The second round match turned out quite differently: the rivals exchanged goals in the middle of the second half, and this time the victory was snatched by the local club. The second attempt to conquer the "City Ground" in the wards of Erik ten Hag will take place after away victories in the past two rounds of the FA Cup. However, the opponents of the "Red Devils" in 1/32 and 1/16 finals were very modest by today's standards Wigan and Newport respectively. Unlike the rival from Manchester, Nottingham fought their way into the upcoming round. The Foresters had to play against Blackpool and Bristol City four times in the last two stages. The former were beaten by Nuno Espiritu Santo in extra time, the latter - in a penalty shootout. Bookmakers have identified the guests as favourites for the upcoming meeting, offering odds of 2.05 on their victory. After the change of head coach in December, Nottingham Forest improved their results, which was extremely important in light of the looming threat of relegation. Forest are now on the edge of the red zone, four points ahead of Luton Town. Santo's team plays noticeably better at home than away. This is characterised by the performance, which the team demonstrates in home walls. In the last seven meetings in their arena, Nottingham has never remained without a goal, giving an average score of about two goals per match. Manchester United seemed to have picked up a good form, but serious systemic problems in the Mancunians do not allow them to sustain a long winning streak. The last one was broken last Saturday when United lost to Fulham at Old Trafford. The rivals will exchange goals.