Opposition watch: Keeping a close eye on Forest (2025)

by

Joe Nelson

We haven't been in action for two weeks due to the international break and the weekend just gone being reserved for Emirates FA Cup fixtures - we were eliminated from that competition by Fulham, who were beaten by Crystal Palace in their quarter-final on Saturday.

Later that day, high-flying Forest took on Brighton in another all-Premier League clash, which in normal time didn't produce the goals that the form of both sides suggested would be on offer.

Kick-off details, TV info and team news as it's nearly time to see the Reds in action again.

Former Red Danny Welbeck started the game for the Seagulls while fellow United alumni Anthony Elanga began the match among Nuno Espirito Santo's substitutes.

Chances were few and far between in the tense encounter, with Forest's resilient defence once again showing their grit to keep out the hosts.

Elanga came on in the 61st minute but, after Elliot Anderson was brought down by Kaoru Mitoma in the box, VAR overturned the referee's initial decision to award a penalty to the visitors.

Penalties were forced by the end of extra time to decide who would be going to Wembley for the semi-finals, and who would become the second side to reach that stage after Crystal Palace's progression earlier in the day.

Jack Hinshelwood missed his spot-kick to hand advantage to Forest, before former Liverpool man Neco Williams blazed over. Diego Gomez then had a penalty denied by Matz Sels and Ryan Yates slotted home to send the Premier League's third-placed side into the final four.

Forest have gone five matches unbeaten in all competitions since being beaten 4-3 by Newcastle on 23 February and go into Tuesday's match having not lost at The City Ground since November.

United, on the other hand, experienced our own upturn in form before the international break. We are unbeaten in our last four games, in all competitions, and defeated Leicester 3-0 away from home last time out.

Indeed, our form after international breaks is goodhistorically, and the play on show in the wins at Leicester and at home to Real Sociedad indicates that Ruben Amorim's imprint on the side is taking effect.

We have seven matches in a busy April, beginning with Tuesday's trip to the Midlands.

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