Nottingham Forest vs. Sheffield United Predictions: We're backing the Tricky Trees to progress

Huddersfield Town booked a trip to Wembley last night. A plucky Luton outfit proved not to have enough in their arsenal to ease the Terriers aside away from home. But who will join them? We've asked Sam Ingram to preview the 2nd leg between Nottingham Forest and Sheffield United.

Next up, it’s Nottingham Forest’s turn to line the streets and fill the concourses with a place in the Premier League as the dangled carrot in front of both sides. The Blades’ 91st-minute goal in the first leg keeps them in a tie which looked to have Forest fully in the ascendancy up until that point. Sander Berge’s header now provides a sense of belief in one camp, whilst the other should treat it as a wake-up call that there’s a job to do yet.

It’s a massive game against decent opposition for Forest. Although, the FA Cup run this season suggests they’re more than adept at dealing with the big guns when the pressure is on. 

Not only capable in the more significant fixtures, but Forest also approaches the second leg with a head-turning record at home. Liverpool’s cup defeat has been the only loss at The City Ground this calendar year. 

Steve Cooper’s men have won their previous seven Championship matches at home, highlighting the size of the task that lays ahead for Sheffield United. With two 1-1 draws making up the head-to-heads during the season and a win in Sheffield providing the backdrop here, Forest should feel confident about avoiding defeat on home soil.

In the hope that Forest hang onto their impressive 2022 form on the banks of the Trent, taking the Double Chance seems like a reasonable way to approach the tie. If this materialises, I’m confident the goal kick angle will follow closely behind.

Sheffield United’s one-goal deficit will encourage them to attack for the 90-minutes, especially if Forest keeps them at bay to land the Double Chance pick. The likelihood of plenty of attempts at goal and hopeful balls sent in the direction of the 18-yard-box should see that over 6.5 goal kick line come close.

Heckingbottom’s Blades produced 15 shots, eight corners, and eight goal kicks in the first leg. The statistics back up the thought process here, with the lion’s share of attempts (11) and 65% of possession in the second half, highlighting the shift in focus when chasing a lead.

Paddy Power's take on Sheffield United shots could provide a profitable angle into the match for those keen on a bigger odds punt and one that got over the line in the first leg. 

Given Sheffield United average 10.87 shots per90 away from home in the Championship, 4.00 to reach the 14+ shot line with Wembley at stake is worth considering for me. At the City Ground, Forest concedes a stingy 9.30 on average across the entire campaign, suggesting their opponents will need to bring a top-drawer attacking performance.