Verdict: Bruno Fernandes over 0.5 shots on target

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: Luckster

Seeking an immediate return to winning ways on Sunday lunchtime, Manchester United will welcome Nottingham Forest to Old Trafford.

Manchester United

Starting with the hosts, while some in Manchester United’s camp might have been frustrated last weekend as they eventually had to settle for a 0-0 stalemate away at Sunderland, Michael Carrick’s side have embarked on a sensational resurge since the ex-Middlesbrough boss arrived back in January. Already punching a lucrative Champions League return with time to spare, the Red Devils sit in bronze medal position among England’s elite and they have rightfully received a string of plaudits. Getting May underway with a stellar 3-2 victory at home against historic rivals Liverpool, Man United have registered 10 points from their previous four Premier League appearances. With the mood around Old Trafford at a red-hot high, Carrcik’s men will be looking to lay down another marker and make an immediate return to winning ways here.

Manchester United Team News

While both Benjamin Sesko and Brazilian superstar Casemiro might have missed out away at Sunderland last weekend, Man United are hopeful that the duo will return to Carrick’s squad here. However, Dutch defender Matthijs de Ligt remains on the sidelines with a back injury and won’t play any part on Sunday lunchtime.

Forced to settle for a spot on the bench at the Stadium of Light, former Brentford striker Bryan Mbeumo could be handed a full recall. Embarking on what has been a record-breaking run this season, talismanic skipper Bruno Fernandes will play a leading role in the final third.

Nottingham Forest

As for the visitors, while Nottingham Forest might have watched their iconic Europa League adventure come to a thumping end earlier in the month as they eventually fell to a 4-1 aggregate defeat against local foes Aston Villa, Vitor Pereira’s side have cruised their way to top-flight safety. With their Premier League status officially confirmed last weekend as they snatched a late 1-1 stalemate at home against Newcastle, the former Wolves boss should be excited by a trip to Old Trafford here. Getting May underway with a dominant display in west London as they claimed a thumping 3-1 victory against Chelsea, Nottingham Forest are remarkably unbeaten in all of their previous eight consecutive Premier League appearances – a purple patch that stems all the way back to March 1st.

Nottingham Forest Team News

All dealing with respective injury issues, Forest will travel to Old Trafford this weekend without the likes of Ola Aina, John Victory, Willy Boly and former Chelsea starlet Callum Hudson-Odoi. However, despite not featuring since his horror head clash against Chelsea on May 4th, Pereira’s side are hopeful that skipper Morgan Gibbs-White can play some part here.

Settling for a spot on the bench against Newcastle last week, New Zealand international Chris Wood could be handed a full recall. Heavily linked with a blockbuster summer switch to Old Trafford, midfield talisman Elliot Anderson will start in the middle of the park on Sunday lunchtime.

Manchester United vs Nottingham Forest Key Factors to Consider

• When Manchester United and Nottingham Forest met for their reverse Premier League showdown back on November 1st, Sunday’s opponents played out a thrilling 2-2 stalemate at the City Ground.
• The Red Devils have registered 10 points from their previous four Premier League appearances.
• Forest are unbeaten in all of their previous eight consecutive Premier League appearances – a purple patch that stems all the way back to March 1st.
• Breaking a string of records this season, talismanic skipper Bruno Fernadnes has registered 27 direct Premier League goal contributions this season (eight goals, 19 assists).
• Each of Forest’s last seven consecutive matchups away from the City Ground have finished with over 2.5 goals.

Conclusion

With Sunday’s opponents playing out a pulsating 2-2 stalemate when they met at the City Ground for their reverse Premier League showdown back in November, neutrals will be hoping for a repeat outcome here. Watching Man United already cruise their way to a lucrative Champions League return, the Red Devils will be looking to make another domestic statement this weekend. Likewise, with Forest gaining a reputation for their lively battles outside of Nottingham, we could be treated to an enjoyable contest this weekend.

Verdict: Bruno Fernandes over 0.5 shots on target

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: Luckster