Nottingham Forest will look to overturn a one-goal deficit as they travel to Herning on Thursday to take on Danish side Midtjylland in the second leg of their Europa League last-16 tie.
Vitor Pereira made an ideal start as Nottingham Forest head coach, as he secured an impressive 0-3 victory in Istanbul against Fenerbahce in their Europa League playoff first leg.
However, the ex-Wolves gaffer has failed to win any of his next six games in charge of the Tricky Trees (W0-D2-L4), including that 0-1 loss against Midtjylland at the City Ground last Thursday.
Three days after that defeat, Forest played out a goalless draw at home to mid-table Fulham in the Premier League, moving them back outside of the relegation zone only by goal difference.
Midtjylland saw their Danish Superliga title hopes take a real hit on Sunday, as they surprisingly lost 0-1 at home to sixth-placed Nordsjaelland, meaning they’ve fallen four points behind leaders AGF.
Mike Tullberg’s hosts have been mightily impressive in Europe this season, winning 12 of their previous 14 continental clashes (W12-D1-L1) – including each of their previous six at home – with their solitary defeat coming in the Italian capital against Roma.
How the bookies view it: Forest favourites on the night
Despite losing the first leg at home last week, Nottingham Forest travel to Herning as slight favourites to win inside 90 minutes, with bet365 pricing the visitors at 21/20.
However, despite being 12/5 underdogs to win inside 90 minutes, Midtjylland are favourites to advance to the quarter-finals, with bet365 pricing the hosts at 1/2 To Qualify, whilst Forest are 6/4.
Head to head: Two wins on the spin for the Wolves
These two clubs have faced off twice already this season, with Midtjylland winning on both occasions at the City Ground, including that 0-1 win in the first leg last Thursday.
Players to watch: Forest frontman to score again in Europe?
Igor Jesus has scored just twice in the Premier League this season, but in contrast, his form has been sensational in Europe.
The Brazilian forward has scored seven goals and provided an assist across his six starts and three substitute appearances in the Europa League this campaign, and he is 11/10 at bet365 to Score or Assist in Denmark on Thursday.
Backed a player to find the net? Check our Goalscorer Betting guide to see how the markets work and where to find value.
Predicted line-ups:
Midtjylland will be without top-scorer Franculino and Mikel Gorgoza through injury, but Dario Osorio returns from suspension.
Nottingham Forest will be without the injured Stefan Ortega, John Victor, Willy Boly, Nicola Savona, Jair Cunha and Chris Wood.
FC Midtjylland: Olafsson, Diao, Erlic, Bech, Mbabu, Castillo, Billing, Bravo, Bak, Cho, Simsir
Nottingham Forest: Sels, Morato, Milenkovic, Murillo, Aina, Dominguez, Anderson, Hudson-Odoi, Gibbs-White, Hutchinson, Jesus
Anything else catch the eye?
Nottingham Forest got punished for their wastefulness in front of goal in the first leg last Thursday, and they had the same issue in the Premier League against Fulham three days later as they blanked once again.
The Tricky Trees did claim an impressive 0-3 victory in Istanbul against Fenerbahce in the previous round in Vitor Pereira’s first game in charge of the club, but I think they’ll struggle against a Midtjylland side that has been terrific in Europe this season.
Mike Tullberg’s hosts have been victorious in each of their last six continental clashes at home – scoring on 14 occasions and conceding just once – and I’m keen to back them to avoid defeat.
Midtjylland +0.25 Asian Handicap pays 39/40 at bet365, meaning we win half our stake should the game result in a draw, while a home win will reward a full payout.
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