Forest v Man United: Team News, Injuries and Line-ups from the City Ground

It’s crunch time at the City Ground as Nottingham Forest host Manchester United in a Premier League tussle neither will want to let slip. Sean Dyche’s men arrive with contrasting fortunes – a gritty European scalp over Porto in midweek, then a stumble against Bournemouth – while Ruben Amorim has United humming after a 4-2 win over Brighton made it three on the bounce. Both bosses fronted up pre-match with significant updates.

Nottingham Forest team news: full-backs stretched, firepower missing

Forest’s treatment room is groaning, particularly at full-back. There are no fresh returns, and a handful of big absentees remain sidelined: Chris Wood (knee), Angus Gunn (knee), Ola Aina (hamstring), Dilane Bakwa (other) and Oleksandr Zinchenko (adductor) are all ruled out.

Timelines aren’t kind either. Aina isn’t expected back until 03/01/2026. Wood and Bakwa are pencilled for 09/11/2025, while Zinchenko’s adductor issue is on a similar trajectory. Gunn’s knee problem has no firm date attached.

Dyche’s update: no risks, eyes on Leeds for Wood

Dyche was pragmatic in his presser. Angus Gunn, he revealed, has “opened up” his knee ligaments and will be out for a while. Chris Wood is targeting the Leeds fixture and won’t feature here. Aina is trending the right way but remains unavailable, Zinchenko is out longer than first hoped, and while there’s incremental progress for Bakwa, he’s still not ready.

Manchester United team news: Martinez back on the grass, Maguire a doubt

United’s injury picture is clearing. The headline is Lisandro Martinez stepping back into full training after his ACL lay-off. He’s not yet in the frame to play, but the trajectory is positive, with a potential return date marked for 24/11/2025. There’s lingering uncertainty over Harry Maguire, while the rest of the squad is understood to be fit.

Amorim’s update: patience with Martinez, late call on Maguire

Amorim’s message was measured: Martinez has rejoined sessions, but United are modifying drills and won’t rush him. The Argentine’s intensity is lifting standards day-to-day, yet this one comes too soon. One more training day remains for a final look at Maguire; beyond that, United look in decent nick.

Fancy a flutter on the match? Our best betting sites guide is a handy companion. Before you have a go, weigh up Forest’s injuries and United’s momentum – the full-back crisis for Forest and the cautious handling of Martinez could shape the flow and the set-piece battle.

Confirmed XIs

Official line-ups will be confirmed at the City Ground closer to kick-off. Expect Forest to shuffle resources across the back line, while United’s selections at centre-half hinge on that late assessment of Maguire.

Pundit’s verdict

On balance, United arrive with the cleaner bill and sharper recent form. Forest will fight – they always do under Dyche – but with full-backs thin on the ground and Wood unavailable, they may be short of punch in both boxes. If United keep their shape and avoid daft mistakes, they should fancy themselves to nick it.