Saturday’s clash at The City Ground sees out-of-form Nottingham Forest host Manchester United in a fixture with plenty riding on it at both ends of the Premier League table. With kick-off set for 3:00 PM on 1 November 2025, Forest are fighting to escape the relegation zone, while United look to consolidate their top-six status. Find our match preview and best bets below.
Best Bets & Predictions
Based on United’s superior attacking stats and Forest’s defensive vulnerabilities, here are our top betting recommendations for this match. We’re particularly confident in Manchester United to win, given their dominance in this fixture and Forest’s struggles at both ends of the pitch.
| Our Prediction | Odds & Bookmaker | Confidence | Why We’re Backing It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bryan Mbeumo to Score or Assist | 21/20 @ Bet365 (48.8%) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Bryan Mbeumo has provided a goal or an assist in all three of his most recent Premier League outings. The former Brentford man has enjoyed his start to life at Old Trafford and has 4 league goals to his name already with a shot average of 2.6 per game. |
| Manchester United to Win to Nil | 2/1 @ Bet365 (33.3%) | ⭐⭐⭐ | Nottingham Forest have lost six of their last seven Premier League matches (D1), including the last four in a row without scoring. Manchester United have won their last three Premier League matches, their best winning run in one season since a run of four in February 2024. |
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Our approach: Start with Manchester United to win, add Over 2.5 Goals or United Win to Nil for Bet Builder potential.
Odds correct at the time of writing.
How both teams go into Nottingham Forest vs Manchester United
Forest have really struggled this season, winning just one game, and they are now on their third manager. Ange Postecoglou replaced Nuno Espirito Santo, but his reign only lasted 39 days, with the Nottingham Forest hierarchy turning to Sean Dyche to save their season. The Tricky Trees sit in 18th place on five points through nine matches. Nottingham Forest were defeated 2-0 in their last Premier League match at Vitality Stadium against Bournemouth, extending their winless streak to eight.
Manchester United’s last league match saw them triumph 4-2 over Brighton & Hove Albion at home, their third consecutive win, putting them in sixth spot on 16 points through nine matches. The Red Devils were one of three sides to win 100% of their games in October, along with Arsenal and Aston Villa.
Nottingham Forest team news
Ola Aina is a confirmed absentee for the hosts, while Chris Wood and Oleksandr Zinchenko are nearing a return and will be assessed before kick-off.
Manchester United team news
Lisandro Martinez is out with a knee injury. Harry Maguire is a doubt and is unlikely to start.
Season Form & Standings
The 2025/26 season to date has seen Manchester United emerge as a top-six contender, while Nottingham Forest have struggled and currently sit in the relegation zone. United have 16 points from 9 matches with a positive goal difference, compared to Forest’s 5 points and a worrying -12 GD.
| Team | Pos | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manchester United | 6 | 9 | 5 | 1 | 3 | 15 | 14 | +1 | 16 |
| Nottingham Forest | 18 | 9 | 1 | 2 | 6 | 5 | 17 | -12 | 5 |
Potential Match-Winners
- Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United): The midfield engine with a knack for unlocking defences, averaging over 1 assist every two games so far.
- Bryan Mbeumo (Manchester United): United’s attacking spearhead, leading their forward line and a constant threat in the box.
- Morgan Gibbs-White (Nottingham Forest): Forest’s creative heartbeat, often involved in their limited attacking output and capable of a moment of magic.
Head-to-Head Last 5 Meetings
Manchester United have held the upper hand in this fixture, winning 6 of the last 9 meetings, including three away victories at The City Ground. Forest have claimed some notable scalps, but United’s record remains imposing.
| Date | Score | Competition |
|---|---|---|
| 01/04/25 | Nottingham Forest 1-0 Manchester United | Premier League |
| 07/12/24 | Manchester United 2-3 Nottingham Forest | Premier League |
| 28/02/24 | Nottingham Forest 0-1 Manchester United | FA Cup |
| 30/12/23 | Nottingham Forest 2-1 Manchester United | Premier League |
| 26/08/23 | Manchester United 3-2 Nottingham Forest | Premier League |
Conclusion
With Manchester United’s firepower and Forest’s leaky defence, all signs point to the visitors continuing their strong run in this fixture. The hosts have shown they can spring a surprise, but United’s edge in attack and their record at The City Ground give them the clear advantage. Take a confident punt on Manchester United to win at 13/10 (43.5%) with Bet365 to headline your weekend betslip.
Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.
