England Premier League
Friday 18th August 2023
Kick off at 7:45pm BST
Venue: City Ground
Match Preview:
Nottingham Forest manager Steve Cooper will feel that their season begins this weekend and rather than last as they play their first home game of the season against a side who is newly promoted. It was always going to be a tough ask for Forest to go to Arsenal and get a result and despite being second best they almost did and only lost 2-1 in the end.
Question marks will remain over sides like Forest because of all of the players they have brought in over the last two seasons and the fact that they have very limited experience in the top flight. Last season was a real struggle and everything suggests this one could also be.
Sheffield United were outclassed by Crystal Palace last weekend and even though the score finished just 1-0 to the Eagles they never looked under threat and that should signal alarm bells for the Blades. Palace are a stubborn and well organised side but they are also a side who may not finish in the top half of the table and if you’re getting dominated like that and you’re at home this is not a good sign. Indeed United had just 1 shot on goal and Palace had 24 goal attempts in all, it was a painful exercise in the gap that exists between the Premier League and the Championship. The Blades will be the outsiders in this game given it is away from home but they may also think they have a chance here and have of course played Forest numerous times in the past few years. You get the sense it is better that they are playing Forest and not another top six team on the trot because confidence needs to be maintained at this stage.
Team News:
Nottingham Forest: Felipe is out with a knee injury with no fixed return date. Wayne Hennessey also has a knee injury but could be back in 3 weeks time.
Sheffield United: Jayden Bogle could be assessed but looks a doubt with his knee injury. Rhian Brewster will be assessed due to fitness issues. John Fleck has a knock but could return in a few days. Ismailia Couliaby has a knee injury and looks set to miss out again. Olivier McBurnie is only 50/50 to return from a foot injury. Rhys Norrington-Davies has fitness issues and is struggling for the weekend to be back.
Nottm Forest vs Sheff Utd Head to Head:
It’s been two years since the teams last played one another in the league and for two games in a row the score line has been the same 1-1.
In the last 4 competitive games both teams have been able to score.
Sheffield United have not beaten Nottingham Forest away from home since 2008.
Nottm Forest vs Sheff Utd Prediction:
It’s never easy predicting some games so early into the season but we have to be looking at Forest here to win at home. They had a tough opening day fixture away to Arsenal and while there was a gulf in class Forest ended up coming away from that tricky encounter with their heads held high. The same can’t be said of Sheffield United who really struggled to contain Crystal Palace at home.
The key here though is the injury list and for United it has piled up and these are players that could well struggle to be fit going into next month. Forest had the same problems last season and it really affected their season but the bulk of their squad for now is fit and raring to go. Forest were decent at home last season and that will be key to them maintaining their Premier League status, we only see a home win at the weekend.
Nottm Forest vs Sheff Utd Betting Tips:
Nottingham Forest to beat Sheffield United at 1.91
Anytime goalscorer: Taiwo Awoniyi at 2.25
1st Half Correct Score: 0-0 or 1-0 to Nottingham Forest at 2.50 and 3.75
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