Chris Sutton has shockingly predicted that Manchester United will only muster up a draw at Nottingham Forest when they meet on Sunday.
United travel to the City Ground for a clash that may well prove pivotal for both ends of the Premier League table.
The Red Devils are looking to hold onto their place in the top four amid fierce competition from the likes of Newcastle United and Tottenham, while Forest are in the relegation zone though only on goal difference with just 10 points separating the bottom eight teams.
The two clubs could not be in more contrasting form with Erik ten Hag’s side winning four of their last five fixtures while Steve Cooper’s men are winless in nine.
However, United have lost their star forward Marcus Rashford to a muscle injury and given how integral he and his goals have been to the sides this season, Sutton believes that could hinder the away side significantly.
‘This feels like a huge game for Nottingham Forest, who have not won in nine games and are in the bottom three. I am starting to really fear for them,’ the former striker told BBC Sport.
‘I keep on saying it but Forest’s terrible away form means they rely so heavily on picking up points at the City Ground and they are under pressure to keep doing that, whoever they face there.
‘That makes this game a really interesting one, because Manchester United also need to win it and their away form is not exactly convincing either.
‘The return of Casemiro from suspension is a big boost for Erik ten Hag’s side but they are going to miss Marcus Rashford while he is out injured and being in the Europa League has left their squad at full stretch.
‘Because of that, I’m going for a draw. 1-1’
United have won just six of their 14 league games on the road this season, while Forest have lost just four in 15 at the City Ground, beating Liverpool in the process and earning draws with Manchester City and Chelsea.
The two clubs have met three times already this season, once in the league and twice in the Carabao Cup, with United winning on every occasion by an aggregate score of 8-0.
Before they head to Forest, United host Sevilla in the first-leg of their Europa League quarter-final tie on Thursday night.
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