The excitement of the FA Cup is building as Nottingham Forest prepare to clash once again with Manchester United. Memories of their intense battle at the City Ground in the final days of 2023 linger, where Forest narrowly clinched victory with a 2-1 edge. Now, as these titans of English football prepare to face off once more, anticipation is high, especially for Manchester United seeking revenge. With the FA Cup representing their sole opportunity for silverware this season, United enters the fray with heightened determination and a hunger for redemption. As the football world eagerly awaits this showdown, the article also provides a glimpse into the other electrifying fixtures set to unfold, promising a weekend filled with footballing drama and excitement.
Team News:
Nottingham Forest have a mostly clean bill of health. They will be without Chris Wood and also Nuno Tavares. Everyone else is expected to be available for selection.
Manchester United are really in the wars, as they have been for practically the whole season. Luke Shaw is out once again with a fresh injury, and Lisandro Martinez remains out after he damaged his MCL in a recent fixture against West Ham. Anthony Martial and Tyrell Malacia are also still dealing with long-term injuries. Mason Mount, although nearly back, is not quite ready to make the matchday squad and this fixture also comes too early for red-hot Rasmus Hojlund to return as he deals with a muscle injury. Casemiro may return after picking up a knock against Fulham on the weekend and Amad Diallo is expected to start.
Key Players:
Nottingham Forest: Morgan Gibbs-White
Morgan Gibbs-White scored the winner against Manchester United when the two sides faced one another in December at the City Ground. He has truly come into his own and is an excellent player, one that has caught the eye of United scouts. With his ability to influence the game both defensively and offensively, Gibbs-White will undoubtedly be a player to watch in the upcoming FA Cup clash, as he seeks to replicate his past success and lead his team to victory once again.
Manchester United: Diogo Dalot
Diogo Dalot’s role will be pivotal for Manchester United in their quest for redemption against Nottingham Forest in the upcoming FA Cup clash. He’s been exceptional this season and has taken his level up a notch. Despite their setback in the previous encounter, Dalot’s defensive versatility and attacking prowess make him a key figure in United’s lineup. His ability to provide defensive stability while also contributing to the team’s offensive efforts with overlapping runs and ever-improving crosses adds a dynamic dimension to United’s play. The Portuguese international scored a great goal at the City Ground in April 2023 and will be hoping to do the same in this fixture.
The FA Cup 5th Round:
Coventry 5-0 Maidstone
Bournemouth 0-1 Leicester (After ET)
Blackburn 1-1 (3-4 after penalties) Newcastle
Luton 2-6 Manchester City
Chelsea vs. Leeds
Wolves vs. Brighton
Liverpool vs. Southampton
Keep up with all the latest FA Cup scores and news on the 365Scores website!
By Nicky Helfgott / @NickyH3lfgott on Twitter