After knocking out Wolves, Nottingham Forest’s remarkable cup run continues on Wednesday night with a blockbuster clash against red hot Manchester United for a place in the EFL Cup final.
Forest have had it far from easy knocking out Antonio Conte’s Tottenham Hotspur, a Blackburn team fighting for promotion and a stubborn Wolves side who took the Reds all the way to a penalty shootout.
Now the Red Devils are in their sights for a two legged match up that kicks off at the City Ground at 20:00 tomorrow.
Despite Man United’s recent loss against Arsenal and draw against Crystal Palace, they’ve been playing their best football in years and were unlucky to concede such a late goals in both games.
Their confidence won’t be knocked, but they face a mighty challenge against a Forest side who are unbeaten in their last eight home games.
Last time these two came up against each other, it was Ten Hag’s side who walked away with three points and three goals.
That was actually the last time Forest lost a game, leaving Steve Cooper’s men with revenge and with a final set in sights, the City Ground will be bouncing to try carry the players into the second leg in a fighting position.
Ben Dore, creator of popular Forest fan channel ‘Dore on Tour’ with over 10,000 subscribers thinks the atmosphere will help Forest significantly:
“Surely, the atmosphere is going to be crazy at the City Ground because it’s a semi final”, Dore said.
“It’s always a good atmosphere but this game will be so special for all Forest fans.”
Dore thinks form could be a factor going into the game including the home advantage in the first leg:
“I feel after United lost against Arsenal and our home form has been great that we can get a result in the first leg. Manchester United is always a tough game across both legs but I feel Cooper, as usual, can fire the lads up for the game.”
Either way though the game should get nerves running, but for Dore, he remains ice cold:
“I am not nervous at all, its a free hit but obviously Cooper wants to win it, so as a Forest fan, so do I.”
United are set to be strengthened by the return of Casemiro, who was suspended against the Gunners, whilst Forest have no pressing returns and could field a similar side to what played at Bournemouth on the weekend.
New boy Danilo could get his first start for the Reds, but in such a massive game it remains a doubt as to whether he will be trusted yet.
The Red Devils have actually won the last seven meetings between the sides, but a two leg fixture could change the dynamic and end that run.
