Nottingham Forest vs Manchester United
Date: Saturday, 1 November 2025
Venue: City Ground, Nottingham
Competition: English Premier League
Kick-off: 15:00 GMT
Nottingham Forest vs Manchester United Match Overview 1st Nov 2025
Nottingham Forest welcome Manchester United to the City Ground in what promises to be a tense Premier League encounter. Forest are desperate for points to climb out of the lower half, while United are finally finding rhythm under manager Rúben Amorim. Both sides have plenty to prove — Forest to restore pride, and United to keep momentum alive.
Nottingham Forest – Form & Tactical Outlook
Forest’s recent form has been concerning, with four losses and one draw in their last five EPL matches. Since Ange Postecoglou appointment, the Reds have tried to tighten up defensively, but lapses remain a major problem.
Likely Formation: 4-2-3-1
Probable XI: Sels; Savona, Milenković, Murillo, Williams; Luiz, Anderson; Ndoye, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi; Igor Jesus
Key Tactical Notes:
- Expect a physical approach and a compact block to limit United’s pace.
- Gibbs-White will be crucial as the creative spark between the lines.
- Defensive concentration is vital; they’ve conceded multiple soft goals recently.
- Home advantage at the City Ground could help spark an upset.
Manchester United – Form & Tactical Outlook
United are coming off a 4-2 victory over , Brighton and have shown better fluency in attack. Amorim’s philosophy is starting to take hold, and the new attacking trio is delivering results.
Likely Formation: 3-4-2-1
Probable XI: Lammens; Yoro, De Ligt, Shaw; Amad, Casemiro, Fernandes, Dalot; Mbeumo, Cunha; Šeško
Key Tactical Notes:
- Amorim prefers a dynamic 3-4-2-1, encouraging wingbacks to overload wide areas.
- Fernandes dictates play from midfield, linking with Cunha and Mbeumo.
- Šeško’s pace and physicality could cause chaos against Forest’s backline.
- United are still vulnerable in transitions and set pieces.
Injury Updates
Nottingham Forest Injuries:
- Chris Wood (knee)
- Ola Aina (hamstring)
- Dilane Bakwa (unspecified)
- Oleksandr Zinchenko (groin)
- Angus Gunn (knee)
Manchester United Injuries:
- Lisandro Martínez – back in training but not yet match-fit
- Harry Maguire – doubtful (minor knock)
Head-to-Head Record (All Competitions)
| Record | Nottingham Forest | Manchester United |
|---|---|---|
| Total Wins | 29 | 43 |
| Draws | 19 | 19 |
| Last 9 Meetings | 3 wins | 6 wins |
Fun Fact: 78% of the last nine meetings saw Over 1.5 goals, highlighting the attacking nature of this fixture.
Last 5 Premier League Results
Nottingham Forest
- Lost 0-2 vs Bournemouth
- Lost 0-3 vs Chelsea
- Lost 0-2 vs Newcastle
- Lost 0-1 vs Sunderland
- Drew 1-1 vs Burnley
Manchester United
- Won 4-2 vs Brighton
- Won 2-1 vs Chelsea
- Lost 1-3 vs Brentford
- Won 2-0 vs Sunderland
- Lost 0-1 vs Manchester City
Key Battles to Watch
- Mbeumo & Cunha vs Murillo & Milenković: United’s speed vs Forest’s structure.
- Casemiro & Fernandes vs Luiz & Anderson: Midfield control and tempo.
- Set-Pieces: Forest have conceded from dead-balls; United will look to exploit this.
Match Prediction
Forest’s energy and home support could trouble United early, but Amorim’s men possess greater composure and firepower. Expect goals and moments of quality from both sides.
Predicted Score: Nottingham Forest 1-2 Manchester United
Likely Goal Scorers: Šeško, Fernandes, Hudson-Odoi
FAQs
Q1. When and where is the match being played?
A: The game will be played at the City Ground, Nottingham, on Saturday, 1 November 2025.
Q2. Who has the better head-to-head record?
A: Manchester United lead comfortably, with 43 wins to Forest’s 29 in all competitions.
Q3. What’s the latest injury news?
A: Forest miss Wood, Aina, and Zinchenko. United remain without Lisandro Martínez, while Maguire is a doubt.
Q4. Which formations are expected?
A: Forest – 4-2-3-1; United – 3-4-2-1 with flexible attacking lines.
Q5. How are both sides’ recent forms?
A: Forest – D1 L4 (winless in five). United – W3 L2 (improving form).
Q6. What’s the predicted outcome?
A: Manchester United are slight favourites to win 2-1, given superior attacking depth and current form.
References
- Official Team Updates: manutd.com
- Forest News: nottinghamforest.co.uk
- Match Stats: fbref.com
✨ Prediction Summary:
Manchester United’s confidence and tactical edge should see them through, but Nottingham Forest’s home atmosphere could make it an entertaining contest. Expect attacking football and a lively atmosphere at the City Ground.
