MANCHESTER UNITED'S 10-game unbeaten run ground to a halt at the Emirates on Sunday but the Red Devils have no time to feel sorry for themselves as they head to the City Ground for a Carabao Cup semi-final with Nottingham Forest.
That 3-2 loss to Arsenal, which brought up two bets for our man Mark, probably ended any chance of an incredible title triumph in Erik ten Hag's first season at Old Trafford.
But the Dutchman still has a great opportunity to get his hands on some silverware, with only Nottingham Forest standing between them an a place at Wembley in the Carabao Cup.
Ten Hag's side have seen off Aston Villa, Burnley and Charlton to reach the semi-finals, with home draws helping them in each round. It will be tougher at a fired-up City Ground for the first leg of this semi-final and Forest will be looking to take a lead with them to Old Trafford for the return.
Dean Henderson was the hero in the last round against Wolves, with his shoot-out save taking Forest through, but he will have to sit out the semi-final as he's on loan from Manchester United and has also picked up an injury.
That's a blow for boss Steve Cooper but his side are in decent form heading into this game, with just one defeat in six matches. That loss came to Blackpool in the FA Cup but the disappointment of that 4-1 hammering will disappear if Cooper's side can blaze a trail to Wembley.
How the bookies view it
Manchester United are heavy favourites to reach the final at a best 1/7 with Bet365 but their odds are better for a first-leg win at 5/7 with SBK. Nottingham Forest are 9/2 with Betfred for a win at home and 31/5 at VBet to get to Wembley. The first-leg draw pays 14/5 at Unibet.
Recent head to head
Manchester United have dominated this fixture of late, with a 3-0 win at Old Trafford earlier this season making it seven victories in a row against Forest. You have to go back to 1994 for the last Nottingham Forest triumph, with Stuart Pearce sealing a 2-1 win in Manchester.
Players to watch
Brennan Johnson's pace and trickery could cause problems for a United defence that conceded three goals on Sunday. The Welshman netted twice in the recent win over Leicester and is 5/1 at Bet365 for anytime scorer.
Marcus Rashford made the difference when these sides last faced off, with a goal and an assist, and should be Manchester United's biggest threat once more. He scored a stunning goal at the Emirates on Sunday and is 15/8 with Bet365 for anytime scorer.
Anything else catch the eye?
Nottingham Forest have scored in their last six games since losing 3-0 at Old Trafford. Manchester United have also conceded in four of their last five so I fancy BTTS here at 10/11 with Bet365.
Serge Aurier could have the task of stopping in-form Rashford and that makes him a good candidate for a card. The former Spurs and PSG man is 3/1 with Bet365 to fall foul of the referee.
Nottingham Forest could be worth a punt in the corner handicap as they're likely to go on the attack at home and Bet365 price Forest +2 at 17/20.
This EFL Cup match between Nottingham Forest and Manchester United will be played on Jan 25, 2023 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Nottingham Forest vs Manchester United prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
