Will the Red Devils return to the top 4?
Ruben Amorim stubbornly sticks to his preferred 3-4-3 system. A critical start to the season with three defeats from the first six matchdays could not dissuade the Portuguese from his opinion. Perhaps the 40-year-old is right with his dogmatic view, because: Ahead of the Nottingham vs. Manchester United tip, the Red Devils have won three Premier League games in a row.
However, sticking to his basic formation has not prevented Amorim from adapting his team’s style of play to the new squad. Compared to last season, the Europa League finalists are taking a much more direct approach this season, creating many high-quality scoring opportunities in the Nottingham vs. Manchester United prediction.
Risky periods of possession in their own defensive third have been drastically reduced compared to last season. Goalkeeper Senne Lammens plays 50 percent long and 50 percent short passes. In addition, Manchester United had the most touches in the first third last season – this year, only Arsenal has fewer touches in this area.
Up front, the new signings are tearing through the opposing defenses and doing their job with flying colors. Only Crystal Palace (17.84 xG) has scored more expected goals than the Red Devils (16.68 xG). In addition, Amorim’s team has already scored six goals from set pieces – the third-best record in the English top flight.
The season is going completely the opposite way for the Tricky Trees, who have already seen quite a bit of action on the bench. Sean Dyche is currently occupying the head coach’s seat. Another difficult task awaits him.
Nottingham – Manchester United Head-to-head record
Gone are the high spirits of the Tricky Trees’ fabulous season last year. Nottingham won both head-to-head matches last year, extending their streak against Manchester United to three consecutive Premier League wins.
However, the home side are a long way from another triumph. The 18th-placed team have gone 448 minutes without scoring in England’s top flight and have lost their last four consecutive PL games without scoring. Equally striking: Nottingham have lost their last three league games by at least two goals.
Nottingham – Manchester United Tip
The form and mood on both sides could hardly be more different. The Garibaldi Reds are not strong enough in defense and hardly present up front. Nottingham ended six of their previous nine games in the English top flight with at least 1.5 expected goals against.
In total, the Tricky Trees have squandered scoring opportunities worth 15.1 expected goals conceded – 18th in the league. In addition, Dyche’s new squad has already conceded 117 shots. The Europa League participants have been extremely weak in defense against set pieces so far (10 goals conceded from set pieces – 19th in the league).
Manchester United are a team in good form with a desire to score goals when they visit the City Ground. Neither team shies away from playing long balls into the opposition’s half – it’s just that the Red Devils are much better prepared for these situations. In addition, Amorim’s team undoubtedly has a much stronger squad on the pitch.
