Sheffield United vs Nottingham Forest preview & prediction: Awoniyi and Aina face relegation battle against relegated ...

Taiwo Awoniyi and Ola Aina's Nottingham Forest face a crucial clash against Sheffield United this weekend. The Blades' relegation was confirmed after their 5-1 defeat to Eddie Howe's Newcastle United at St. James' Park, leaving them with nothing to fight for except potentially spoiling Forest's survival hopes.

This preview will take you through the upcoming fixture and offer a potential prediction for the Sheffield United vs Nottingham Forest clash.

Quick stats

• Sheffield United are winless in eight home league fixtures since beating Brentford at the start of December (D3, L5).

• Nottingham Forest have won just two of their past 15 Premier League games (D4, L9).

• They are three goals short of equalling the Premier League record for most conceded in a season: 100 by Swindon Town in 1993-94, which was a 42-game campaign.

• Forest are, bar Sheffield, the league's worst travellers, having fetched just 10 points on the road all season.  Nuno Espirito Santo's side are without a victory in their last seven away league fixtures (D2, L5).

Match preview

Sheffield United's relegation to the Championship was confirmed after a resounding 5-1 defeat at the hands of Newcastle United. While their fate is sealed, Chris Wilder's men can still potentially drag Nottingham Forest down with them in their upcoming Premier League encounter.

The Blades' heavy loss leaves them mathematically assured of a return to the second tier next season. Nottingham Forest, however, remain precariously placed, just one point above the relegation zone. A win against Sheffield United is crucial for their survival hopes.

Wilder's side are currently battling against an unwanted slice of Premier League history. With 97 goals conceded this season, they are just four shy of the all-time record for most goals conceded in a single campaign, set by Swindon Town in 1993-94. Each of their last three league matches has seen them concede at least four goals, highlighting their defensive frailties.

Forest must exploit these vulnerabilities if they are to avoid joining Sheffield United in the Championship. However, their own recent form has been far from convincing, with three defeats in their last four matches. Their struggles are further compounded by their lack of success on the road, having not secured a Premier League away win since December.

The Tricky Trees also have a historical hurdle to overcome, having won just one of their last 19 Premier League encounters against promoted teams. However, that solitary victory came against their demoted opponents in the reverse fixture at the City Ground in August, where Chris Wood's 89th-minute goal secured a narrow win.

Saturday's clash presents an opportunity for Sheffield United to avenge that defeat and potentially spoil Nottingham Forest's survival bid. While their own top-flight status is no longer in question, the Blades can still have a significant say in the relegation battle.

Nottingham Forest's fight for Premier League survival hinges heavily on the return of Nigerian striker Taiwo Awoniyi. The former Liverpool striker  proved his worth last season with a crucial contribution of 10 goals and an assist in 27 games, playing a pivotal role in Forest's successful escape from relegation.

This season, despite injury setbacks, he has continued to be a key figure, registering 6 goals and 3 assists in 17 appearances. His attacking prowess and creativity provide a vital offensive threat that Forest sorely miss in his absence.

Manager Nuno Espirito Santo remains optimistic about Awoniyi's potential return, recognizing the significant boost he would bring to their survival hopes. Beyond Awoniyi, Nigerian defender Aina has also emerged as a crucial piece of the puzzle. In the six games Aina has featured, Forest have collected points in all but three, including securing three victories. His presence on the left flank of the defense has demonstrably bolstered the team's performance, making him another valuable asset in their relegation battle.

Sheffield United vs Nottingham Forest h2h, last 10 games

August 2023: Nottingham Forest 2-1 Sheffield United

May 2022: Nottingham Forest 1-2 Sheffield United (Pen 3-2)

May 2022: Sheffield United 1-2 Nottingham Forest

March 2022: Sheffield United 1-1 Nottingham Forest

November 2021: Nottingham Forest 1-1 Sheffield United

April 2019: Sheffield United 2-0 Nottingham Forest

November 2018: Nottingham Forest 1-0 Sheffield United

March 2018: Sheffield United 0-0 Nottingham Forest

September 2017: Nottingham Forest 2-1 Sheffield United

February 2014: Sheffield United 2-1 Nottingham Forest

Sheffield United vs Nottingham Forest prediction

With their relegation confirmed, Sheffield United are free from the shackles of Premier League pressure and can potentially play with greater freedom against a vulnerable Forest side.

While Forest were wasteful in front of goal against Manchester City, they boast enough attacking firepower to potentially exploit Sheffield United's defensive frailties in an entertaining encounter. A victory for Forest would be crucial in their bid to maintain control of their survival destiny, potentially adding to Sheffield United's woes by pushing their goals conceded tally past the century mark.

Sheffield United vs Nothingham Forest predicted lineups

Sheffield United:Grbic; Robinson, Trusty, Ahmedhodzic; Bogle, Souza, Hamer, Arblaster, Osborn; Brereton Diaz, Archer

Nottingham Forest:Sels; Montiel, Niakhate, Murillo, Aina; Danilo, Yates; Elanga, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi; Wood