NOTTINGHAM FOREST will be targeting what would be three priceless Premier League points when they lock horns with Sheffield United at Bramall Lane on Saturday afternoon.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s side are dangling dangerously close to the drop zone, with just two points separating them and second-bottom Burnley.
Last time out, Forest put up a spirited fight against Man City before ultimately succumbing to a 2-0 defeat.
With just three rounds of fixtures remaining, the Tricky Trees will have earmarked this fixture with already-relegated Sheffield United as one where three points are crucial if they are to preserve their top-flight status.
The beleaguered Blades were officially relegated from the Premier League last weekend after being battered 5-1 away at Newcastle.
As such, Chris Wilder’s side will merely be playing for pride in their penultimate home game of the season when they come up against fellow strugglers Nottingham Forest this weekend.
How the bookies view it: Forest to pocket three precious points
Sheffield United are 18/5 (William Hill) underdogs to earn what would be just their fourth Premier League win of the season, while a share of the Steel City spoils has been priced up at 3/1 (PaddyPower).
Nottingham Forest, who have won just twice in 17 top-flight road trips this term, are short-priced 4/6 favourites on Bet 365.
Recent head to head: Tricky Trees stand tall
The reverse fixture earlier this season was the first time the pair have ever crossed paths in the Premier League, on a night where Nottingham Forest ran out 2-1 winners.
Prior to that early-season encounter back in August, the Blades had failed to beat Forest in four attempts.
Players to watch: Wood too sharp for Blades
Having chipped in with 12 Premier League goals this season, Chris Wood is spearheading Nottingham Forest's survival mission. The New Zealand international is an eye-catching 7/4 on UniBet to notch against the leakiest defence in the division. While that price holds appeal, the even-money on PaddyPower for a goal or an assist looks the shrewder option.
Ben Brereton Diaz has been a shining light for Sheffield United through what has been a season to forget. The Villarreal loanee looks overpriced at 7/2 to get on the scoresheet on Saturday.
Probable lineups
This game is a dead-rubber for already-relegated Sheffield United so Wilder could well use this fixture as an opportunity to rotate his resources.
Santo could be without Neco Williams, Murillo and Willy Boly, all of whom came off injured against Man City.
Sheffield United: Foderingham; Holgate, Ahmedhodzic, Trusty; Bogle, Souza, Arblaster, Hamer, Osborn; Brereton Diaz, Archer
Nottingham Forest: Sels; Motiel, Niakhate, Omobamidele, Aina; Sangare, Danilo; Elanga, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi; Wood
Anything else catch the eye? Cards at a premium
The end of the season can't come soon enough for Sheffield United and that can perhaps be attributed to the fact that not one booking was brandished in their 5-1 loss at Newcastle last weekend.
Prior to that St James’ Park pasting, just one card was flashed in the hosts' previous two top-flight fixtures, further suggesting that the Blades may have downed tools as far as this campaign is concerned.
With that in mind, siding with under four cards on the Asian line looks worthy of interest at 11/10 on Bet 365.
Taking this selection means that we will make profit if there are zero, one or two cards issued by referee Chris Kavanagh, with stakes refunded if there are exactly four, and that merits consideration given that this match is meaningful for Nottingham Forest only.
This English Premier League match between Sheffield United and Nottingham Forest will be played on May 4, 2024 and kick off at 15:00. Check below for our tipsters best Sheffield United vs Nottingham Forest prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
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