Nottingham Forest vs Man Utd is the big Premier League showdown on Tuesday night, and there’s more than just three points at stake. Forest, chasing an unexpected top-four finish, are on a roll. United, on the other hand, are limping through one of their most forgettable league campaigns in years. The contrast in momentum sets up a fascinating clash at the City Ground.
With Wembley on their minds and Champions League dreams alive, Nottingham Forest vs Man Utd is more than just another league game for the hosts. For United, though, this may be another tick on the calendar as they play out the remainder of a lost domestic season.
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A Tale of Two Seasons: Forest Flying, United Fading
Nottingham Forest vs Man Utd represents two sides with completely different stories this season. Forest are high on confidence after another penalty shootout win in the FA Cup, booking a Wembley semi-final spot. They’ve now gone unbeaten in five games, with key victories over Manchester City and Ipswich boosting their Premier League top-four hopes.
Forest currently sit third in the table, five points ahead of Chelsea, and have become a tough nut to crack at home.
Meanwhile, Manchester United are still trying to find consistency. They’ve managed back-to-back wins for the first time under new manager Ruben Amorim, with a 4-1 hammering of Real Sociedad in Europe followed by a dominant 3-0 win at Leicester.
But in the league? They’re stuck in 13th — with very little to fight for.
Nottingham Forest vs Man Utd Head-to-Head (Last 5 Games)
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Nottingham Forest wins: 2
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Manchester United wins: 3
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Draws: 0
Their last meeting saw Forest pull off a stunning 3-2 win at Old Trafford in December. Expect a tight contest again this time.
Kick-Off Info: When and Where?
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Location: City Ground, Nottingham
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Date: Tuesday, 1 April 2025
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Time: 20:00 BST / 15:00 ET / 12:00 PT
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⚖️ Referee: Jarred Gillett
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️ VAR: Michael Salisbury
How to Watch Nottingham Forest vs Man Utd
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UK: discovery+, TNT Sports 1
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US: ESPN+, ESPN App
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Canada: fuboTV Canada
Nottingham Forest Team News
Forest are likely to be without striker Chris Wood, who’s struggling with a hip injury picked up on international duty. That means Taiwo Awoniyi should lead the line again after a solid showing in the FA Cup.
Morgan Gibbs-White is fit to play despite a scare against Brighton, while Anthony Elanga and Callum Hudson-Odoi are expected to return to the starting XI. With a buzzing home crowd behind them, Forest will be gunning for a famous win.
Manchester United Team News
United come into this with some momentum, but injuries and squad depth remain concerns. Ruben Amorim is likely to stick with the core that delivered solid wins against Sociedad and Leicester.
Bruno Fernandes is expected to start in midfield, alongside a returning Kobbie Mainoo, who continues to impress. Rasmus Hojlund will lead the line, while Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho should flank him in attack.
But questions remain at the back — especially with Lisandro Martinez still recovering and defensive lapses still haunting the Red Devils.
Predicted Lineups
Nottingham Forest (4-2-3-1)
GK: Matz Sels
RB: Neco Williams
CB: Murillo
CB: Felipe
LB: Nuno Tavares
CDM: Danilo
CDM: Yates
CAM: Morgan Gibbs-White
RW: Anthony Elanga
LW: Callum Hudson-Odoi
ST: Taiwo Awoniyi
Manchester United (4-3-3)
GK: André Onana
RB: Diogo Dalot
CB: Harry Maguire
CB: Raphael Varane
LB: Luke Shaw
CM: Kobbie Mainoo
CM: Casemiro
CAM: Bruno Fernandes
RW: Garnacho
LW: Rashford
ST: Hojlund
Match Prediction
This isn’t the Manchester United we’re used to. With nothing substantial to play for in the league, their focus may already be shifting back to Europe. Forest, by contrast, are in a rhythm — and they’ll be roaring at home.
Prediction: Nottingham Forest 2-1 Man Utd
Forest’s energy, purpose, and home form could prove too much for a United side still searching for identity under Amorim.
This Nottingham Forest vs Man Utd match could be a defining one for both sides — for very different reasons. Forest are dreaming big, aiming to seal their return to Europe’s top competition. United, still rebuilding, are in danger of drifting into complete irrelevance in the Premier League.
One thing’s for sure: The City Ground will be electric. And if Forest bring the fire again, United might just be in for another long night.
