Verdict: Under 3.5 goals
Best Odds: 8/13
Bookmaker: Dachbet
Seeking a much-welcomed Europa League boost on Thursday night, Nottingham Forest will welcome Midtjylland to the City Ground.
Nottingham Forest
Starting with the hosts, parting ways with Nuno Espírito Santo less than a month ago, it has been a real rollercoaster behind the scenes for Nottingham Forest. Although they might have shattered a string of long-standing records last season as they booked an iconic European return, the Premier League outfit have drastically failed to find their feet under the guidance of new boss Ange Postecoglou. Last seen over the weekend getting hit with a 1-0 loss at home against top-flight newcomers Sunderland, the former Tottenham boss appears to have a real job on his hands at the City Ground. Suffering late heartbreak over in Spain last week as they opened their Europa League adventure with a 2-2 stalemate against Real Betis, Forest have failed to win any of their last seven consecutive appearances across all competitions.
Nottingham Forest Team News
Yet to feature since suffering a muscle injury against Arsenal on September 13th, Nottingham Forest are once again expected to be without defensive talisman Murillo. Likewise, picking up a recent hamstring issue, Juventus loanee Douglas Luiz will not feature here.
Shockingly omitted from Forest’s Europa League squad, big-money summer recruit Omari Hutchinson will be forced to watch from the sidelines. Settling for a spot on the bench against Sunderland last weekend, skipper Morgan Gibbs-White will be handed a full recall.
Midtjylland
As for the visitors, while the Midtjylland might travel to Nottingham on Thursday night pencilled in as a landslide underdog contender, the Danish giants certainly shouldn’t be overlooked. Getting their respective European adventure underway with a deserved 2-0 win at home against Strum Graz, the mood in Mike Tullberg’s camp should be at a red-hot high. Despite relinquishing their domestic crown last year, Midtjylland have now won all of their previous four consecutive appearances across all competitions. Extending on their recent purple patch earlier in the week as they clinched a 2-1 win against domestic rivals Randers, the former Borussia Dortmund coach has also seen his squad continue to shine on their travels. In fact, Tullberg’s side have won five of their previous six showdowns away from the MCH Arena.
Midtjylland Team News
All still dealing with respective injury issues, Midtjylland will travel to the City Ground without the trio of Dani Silva, Mikel Gogorza and former Arsenal youngster Ovie Ejeheri on Thursday night. However, returning to Tullberg’s squad on Monday evening, Dario Osorio could make a first appearance since returning from September’s international break.
Completing a permanent switch from Premier League outfit Bournemouth over the summer, Danish international Philip Billing will start in the middle of the park. While former Benfica youngster Franculino might have failed to find the net over the past month, the 21-year-old should lead the line.
Nottingham Forest vs Midtjylland Key Factors to Consider
- Thursday’s showdown at the City Ground will be the first meeting between Nottingham Forest and Midtjylland.
- Forest have failed to win any of their previous seven appearances across all competitions (four defeats, three draws).
- Midtjylland have won their last four appearances across all formats by an aggregate score of 9-1.
- Thursday’s hosts have failed to record a single clean sheet across any competitions so far this season.
- Midtjylland have won five of their previous six matchups away from the MCH Arena.
Conclusion
While Nottingham Forest might open Thursday’s showdown pencilled in as a standout contender, the Premier League strugglers could face a potential banana skin here. Watching Midtjylland open their Europa League campaign with a 2-0 victory at home against Strum Graz, the Danish giants are more than capable of asking some real questions. Struggling to find any kind of immediate boost since Postecoglou’s arrival, Forest’s leaky defence could face another potential test on Thursday night.
Verdict: Under 3.5 goals
Best Odds: 8/13
Bookmaker: Dachbet
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