Premier League preview: Nottingham Forest vs Sheffield United

Few expected Nottingham Forest to put up much of a fight at the Emirates on Saturday. In the event though, Taiwo Awoniyi’s late goal for the visitors made for a tense ending to this match, the Gunners looking oddly vulnerable in the closing minutes.

Forest still lost 2-1. But on that evidence the side retain the grit and desire that kept them up last season. It’s harsh to come to a snap judgement after one game – but it’s also true that Sheffield United look less well equipped for survival.

Will the newly promoted side make it tough for Forest?

In their opener, the Blades were beaten 1-0 at home by Crystal Palace, managing one shot on target in a game where they had just over 32% possession. With Man City the next visitors to Bramall Lane, those stats won’t be comforting for Blades fans.

Before that, the side have a chance to nick something at the City Ground Paul Heckingbottom’s team has been bolstered by the arrival of midfielder Tom Davies, on a free transfer from Everton – so will the newly promoted side have a go against Forest?

Plenty’s changed since the last time these two met in the Championship play-off semi-final last year. But Sheffield United did win the match 2-1; with that result making the score 3-3 on aggregate, the Blades ended up losing in a penalty shootout.

If that last meeting suggests United can get something from this game, Forest will feel desperate to get points on the board against opposition that look beatable. After all, their next four Premier League games after this one include encounters with Man Utd, Chelsea and Man City.

In terms of sheer resolve the hosts may outperform their opposition on Friday night. It might not be pretty, but the hosts can nick the win; combine Forest to win and Under 3.5 goals in a double at 27/20.

If he’s fit to start, you might consider backing Taiwo Awoniyi to find the net too; he’s done so in his last five league appearances for the Tricky Trees. Awoniyi is 19/5 to score the opener.

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