Nottingham Forest v Sheff Utd

Nottingham Forest vs Sheffield United Preview

This Friday night's offering in the Premier League features two sides that have recently returned to the English top flight; Nottingham Forest managed to survive in the big time upon their long-awaited return last season, while Sheffield United will be desperate to match Forest's exploits last term with Premier League survival at the top of their list.

Despite an opening day 2-1 defeat away from home at Arsenal last weekend, Nottingham Forest nevertheless gave a good account of themselves and avoided what many anticipated, a landslide defeat at the Emirates Stadium, eventually losing 2-1 to The Gunners.

There were plenty of positives for Forest manager, Steve Cooper, to take from the game though, and he'll be keen for his side to rekindle the sort of form that Forest produced towards the end of last season as the hosts put together a vitally important four-match unbeaten run in the top flight which essentially saved their bacon.

Victories at home against Southampton and Arsenal along with picking up points in draws with Chelsea and Crystal Palace were perfectly timed but Forest will be keen to avoid a repeat of last season's nervous finish this time around.

Sheffield United may not have matched runaway Championship title winners, Burnley, but nevertheless, The Blades ran a decent race in last season's campaign, finishing runners-up with a total of 91 points and 11 points clear of third-placed finishers, Luton Town.

However, following the euphoria associated with gaining automatic promotion back up to the Premier League, Sheffield United were sent crashing back down to earth after being handed a disappointing 1-0 defeat at home to Crystal Palace on the opening day of the season last weekend.

This would have been even more disappointing for The Blades as they would have earmarked Palace as a team that they stood a good chance of nicking at least a point off, and they now face a tricky outing to the City Ground on Friday night to take on Nottingham Forest.

Following last season's final day 2-1 win against Birmingham City at St Andrews, Sheffield United have managed to collect just two wins from their subsequent seven matches, six of which were actually pre-season friendlies, with victories gained over National League side, Chesterfield, and League One club, Derby County.

In addition, The Blades have registered just three wins out of their last eight outings on the road in all competitions and this does not bode well against a Forest side who made the City Ground close to a fortress last season.

Nottingham Forest v Sheffield United Verdict

Nottingham Forest have won their last three league games on the trot at the City Ground and indeed, the Tricky Trees lost just twice in their previous 15 games on home soil so the hosts look the more likely for the points in this clash.

Therefore, our main bet will be Nottingham Forest win @ 1.85

Other side bets worth considering:

Nottingham Forest win & Under 2.5 goals @ 2.75

Correct score: Nottingham Forest 2-0 @ 9.00