Sheff Utd vs Nottingham Forest predictions: Forest can run riot at Bramall Lane
- Sheffield United are winless in 11 (D3, L8)
- Forest won the reverse fixture 2-1
- Recommended bet: Nottingham Forest over 2.5 team goals
Sheffield United’s relegation was confirmed last weekend as they went down 5-1 at Newcastle United, leaving the Blades playing for pride alone when they entertain Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
Forest arrive in desperate need of the points as they sit just one point clear of danger with three games remaining.
The visitors are in a three-way fight for the final safe spot with Luton and Burnley – and just two points separate those sides going into the next round of fixtures.
Team news
Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder may be tempted to make some changes to his line-up now their relegation has been confirmed – but his options are severely limited.
The Blades are without James McAtee, Oli McBurnie, Rhys Norrington-Davies, Max Lowe, Chris Basham, John Egan, Daniel Jebbison, George Baldock and Tom Davies due to injury, but there is a chance Rhian Brewster may be able to make a return.
Forest’s Neco Williams, Murillo and Willy Boly all picked up knocks in the defeat to Manchester City last time out and are rated as doubts for Saturday’s game. Taiwo Awoniyi and Nicolas Dominguez may also be missing for the visitors.
The stats
Sheffield United have conceded 13 goals across their last three games.
The Blades have conceded 51 goals in 17 home league games, an average of 3.0 per-game.
Sheffield United have conceded at least three goals in six of their last seven home games.
Forest have scored in four of their last six away games.
Prediction
Nottingham Forest have not necessarily been prolific scorers on their travels this season, managing 17 goals in as many trips in the Premier League, but Saturday’s visit to Sheffield United offers them a chance to rack up a few goals.
The Blades have been guilty of some horrendous defensive lapses over the last few weeks and they suffered a complete collapse at Newcastle last time out.
Wilder’s side took the lead at St James’ Park and were arguably the better side in what was an even first half, but they shipped four goals in the space of 18 second half minutes as their return to the Championship was confirmed.
Forest arrive in South Yorkshire knowing a win would be huge in their bid to avoid the drop themselves. Nuno Espírito Santo’s side may even be in the bottom three by the time the game kicks off, as Luton play on Friday, and they should fancy their chances of scoring heavily against the Blades’ porous defence.
Sheffield United concede on average exactly three goals per-game at home in the league and they have shipped a whopping 30 across their last seven fixtures at this venue across all competitions – an average of 4.3 per-game – so backing Forest to score over 2.5 team goals appeals here.
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