Nottingham Forest vs Man United Prediction and Betting Tips: 11/8 and 12/1 picks from The City Ground
Nottingham Forest take on Manchester United on Saturday and we've got Jimmy The Punt on hand to provide us with his best bets.
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It was a happy Boxing Day for each of these sides as they both came from behind to claim three points.
Nuno Espírito Santo picked up the first three points of his Nottingham Forest tenure at St James’ Park. Chris Wood became only the seventh Premier League player to score a hattrick on the 26th December joining Thierry Henry (00/01), Kevin Phillips (00/01), Robbie Fowler (01/02), Dimitar Berbatov (11/12), Gareth Bale (12/13) and Harry Kane (17/18).
Whilst Wood was clinical, Santo must also get plaudits for this obvious tactical play of looking to exploit the cumbersome Dan Burn at left back, as did Anthony Elanga who had the pace to execute and set up two goals.
With Luton picking up three points, it was a timely win for Forest as it keeps them two points above the dotted line.
Manchester United enjoyed a more emphatic Boxing Day comeback. Aston Villa raced into a two goal lead at Old Trafford but a second half Alejandro Garnacho levelled things before Rasmus Højlund scored his first Man Utd goal to clinch an enthralling clash.
As is constantly the case, it relieves a bit of pressure on Erik ten Hag ending a run of four games without a victory but following Steve Cooper's recent dismissal, the Dutch boss remains the market leader in the Sack Race.
Nottingham Forest vs Manchester United Tips
Playing players in their best positions, the simple but effective way Nuno Espirito Santo is beginning to make an impact at Forest.
Wood (ST), Elanga (RW) and Morgan Gibbs-White (CAM) are three examples of that and it is the latter that interests me here.
Since the Portuguese took charge at the City Ground, Gibbs-White has played both games in the number 10 slot behind. MGW is a victim of his own versatility but if you were to ask the player himself what his favourite position is, I am sure he would say centre attacking midfield.
Gibbs-White looks to be thriving as well. Two games, one assist, four shots, five key passes and nine (yes 9) tackles completed.
Traditionally, the number 10’s are considered a luxury player, someone you left off with being lazy because they produce that bit of magic to win the game. Well, this certainly is not the case with MGW whose tireless workrate is a feature of his game.
It may be a small sample size but four tackles against Bournemouth and five against Newcastle are enough to convince me the price of three or more on Saturday is worth a punt.
You can combine Gibbs-White three tackles with the same player to commit three fouls at 12/1 via Sky Bet’s Bet Builder. He completed five of each at St James’ Park and given Forest’s next opponents, it looks a bet once more.
I wouldn’t put anyone off the five tackles and fouls combination at 150/1 with the same firm, or add the Gibbs-White card at 425/1 if you are extra greedy.
Bet of luck if you are backing any of these selections and please remember to gamble responsibly.
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