Manchester United will be looking to put one foot in the League Cup final when they take on Nottingham Forest the first leg of the League Cup semi-finals at the City Ground on Wednesday night.
The Reds go into the game on the back of a bitterly disappointing 3-2 defeat to Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday whilst the hosts drew 1-1 with Bournemouth last weekend.
Erik ten Hag is widely expected to make changes to his starting eleven to face Forest with Tyrell Malacia, Casemiro, Alejandro Garnacho all likely to start.
Having dropped points in each of the last two fixtures its been a disappointing past week or so for Manchester United. After winning seven games in a row following the return from the World Cup the Reds winning run came to an end last week but despite dropping points it must not take away the progress that has been made under Ten Hag and in facing Nottingham Forest on Wednesday night it provides the Reds a fantastic chance to progress to the League Cup final but it won’t be easy.
Nottingham Forest have endured a positive season on their return to the Premier League thus far and currently find themselves sitting in 13th place. Forest initially struggled during the first few months of the season but have found their form in recent months under Steve Cooper and look more like their old selves. Forest can be more than a match for anyone particularly at the City Ground and given the hosts recent good form its important we do not take our opponents lightly should we wish to progress to the final.
It’s hard to believe its almost six years ago since Manchester United last won a trophy and whilst the League Cup may not be necessarily be top of everyone’s wish list this season it arguably represents the clubs best chance of winning some silverware this season and with the Reds now only two games away from Wembley its pivotal United take this game seriously and give it our all.
I am confident United can get a result on Wednesday night and in doing so put the Reds in a good position to qualify for the final.
Prediction: Nottingham Forest 1-2 Manchester United
