Sheffield United - Nottingham Forest predictions and free betting tips [04/05/2024]

On Saturday, 4th May, Sheffield United will host Nottingham Forest as part of the 36th round of the Premier League. Sheffield's 5-1 defeat to Newcastle officially sealed their relegation from the top-flight division, while Nuno Espirito Santo's team is just one point ahead of the relegation battlers.

Sheffield United

Sheffield United, sitting bottom of the Premier League table with only 16 points from 35 rounds, has already guaranteed their relegation by the end of the season. The team eagerly anticipate the end of this nightmare campaign, indicated by their current run of 11 matches without a win (3 draws and 8 defeats). The Blades look completely demoralised: after a draw with Chelsea (2:2) they sequentially lost to Brentford (2:0), Burnley (1:4), Manchester United (4:2) and Newcastle last weekend (5:1). Thanks to a goal by Anel Ahmedhodzic in the 5th minute, the Blades had a glimmer of hope, but Alexander Isak (brace), Callum Wilson, Bruno Guimaraes and Ben Osborn completed the demolition of the outsider. The main goal for the Blades in the remaining rounds is to avoid the PL's worst defensive record. With 97 goals conceded already, they are just four goals off the unwanted record set by Swindon Town in the 1993-94 season.

You wouldn't surprise anyone by stating that the Blades, managed by Chris Wilder, have the worst home record in the Premier League, earning only 10 points in 17 matches. This weekend, Sheffield United will be missing several players due to injury, including defenders Egan, Low, Norrington-Davies, Basham and Baldock, midfielder Davis, and strikers McBurnie (6 goals) and Jebbison. The participation of key midfielder MacKetty and striker Brewster is also in doubt. Winter signing Brereton Dias (5 goals and 1 assist in 11 matches) has found good form since his transfer to the club and is likely to lead the line. The head coach may consider playing some of his young players, but Wes Foderingham, who has conceded nine goals in the last two rounds, will likely make way for Ivor Grbic.

Nottingham Forest

Nottingham Forest encountered the threat of relegation with only three rounds remaining, as the FA deducted 4 points from the club for financial irregularities. Nuno Espirito's team currently sits 17th in the Premier League table, just one point above bottom-placed Luton. The Reds have been in poor form for several weeks, winning only one of their last 10 games, drawing three times, and losing six times. Having shared the points with Wolverhampton (2:2), Nottingham Forest sequentially lost to Everton (2:0) and Manchester City last weekend (0:2). Chris Wood had several good scoring opportunities but couldn't find the net, and City responded with goals from Joren Sardou and Erling Haaland.

Nottingham Forest have conceded in each of their last six away matches and are still waiting for their first away win in 2024. The reds can count on the return of central defender Willy Boly who is back from injury. But key Nigerian striker Avoniyi (6 goals) is still doubtful. The away team should field New Zealander Chris Wood (12 goals), Gibbs-White (5 goals and 7 assists), Elanga (5 goals and 8 assists) and Hudson-Odoi (5 goals) will assist him on the flanks. Andrew Omobamidélé and Montiel will patrol the fullback positions, as after their cautious 5-4-1 formation against Man City, Santo is expected to opt for a more attacking formation at Bramall Lane.

Head-to-Head

At the City Ground earlier this season, Nottingham Forest edged it 2-1, but in the previous nine away duels, the Reds secured three points only once.

Sheffield United - Nottingham Forest prediction

With Sheffield having no mathematical chance of staying up, they'll play free from any league-related "chains". However, this is unlikely to help "the Blades": they are in terrible form and suffered four straight defeats in April. In contrast, the visitors are fighting for a top-flight survival and must take all three points from the match against the league's bottom club. My prediction is a win for Nottingham Forest.