Match Preview
As we step into the second week of the new Premier League season, it's a bit premature to classify matches as "must-win," but the impending clash on Friday between Nottingham Forest and Sheffield United will undeniably play a role in shaping their respective journeys in the 2023-24 campaign.
Both Forest and Sheffield United found themselves ranked among the top five teams most susceptible to relegation in the preseason predictions generated by the Opta supercomputer. The outlook was notably grim for the Blades, who were predicted to land in the bottom three.
Regrettably, the prospects for both teams didn't brighten during the opening match of the season, as they both succumbed to defeats in the inaugural weekend.
However, as the season unfolds, there's a heightened sense of positivity encircling Nottingham Forest's potential to remain in the Premier League, especially when compared to their counterparts. Having successfully dodged relegation the previous season, Steve Cooper's squad put up a commendable fight against Arsenal in their opener, experiencing a narrow loss to the title contenders at the Emirates Stadium.
Cooper is well aware of the significance of amassing points against their recently promoted opponents, given the demanding lineup of matches against Manchester United, Chelsea, and Manchester City on the Forest schedule before September concludes.
A parallel narrative unfolds for Sheffield United, who find themselves in a comparable situation after their defeat in the home opener against Crystal Palace. Their subsequent fixture involves facing the treble-winning Manchester City.
HEAD TO HEAD
Head-to-Head History and Key Statistics between Nottingham Forest and Sheffield United
The most recent clash between Nottingham Forest and Sheffield United in the Premier League occurred back in May 1993. The Blades secured a 2-0 victory in that match held at the City Ground.
Sheffield United's performance in away matches against Nottingham has been less than impressive, with only one win achieved in their last 13 away league games against their opponents.
Towards the conclusion of the 2022-23 season, Nottingham Forest demonstrated their prowess on home turf, clinching three consecutive wins in Premier League matches played at their stadium.
On the flip side, Sheffield United's away performance has faced challenges. Over the course of the last 17 seasons, they have suffered defeats in 11 of their initial away league games, managing just a solitary victory.
In the previous Championship season, Sheffield United was involved in a mere seven drawn matches, the lowest tally of draws among all teams in the competition.
Nottingham Forest vs. Sheffield United: Key Stats - 16 August 2023
Premier League Reunion
This match marks the first Premier League encounter between Nottingham Forest and Sheffield United since May 1993.
Forest's Strong Home Record
Nottingham Forest boasts an impressive record, having lost just one of their last 13 home league games against Sheffield United (W7 D5). This record, all in the second tier, includes a 1-0 defeat in December 2008.
Struggles for United Away
Sheffield United's away league victories have been sparse, with just one win in the past 17 seasons (D5 L11). Their winless streak spans the last 11 away games, dating back to a 2-0 victory over Oldham in the 2011-12 season.
Awoniyi's Scoring Streak
Forest's Taiwo Awoniyi has been on a goal-scoring spree, finding the net in his last five Premier League games. Stan Collymore holds the record for the club, having scored in six consecutive matches in March-April 1995.
Impactful Elanga
Anthony Elanga made a significant impact for Nottingham Forest, despite playing only the final 10 minutes of their loss to Arsenal. He created more chances than any other player on the team, totaling two.
Heckingbottom's Away Success
Sheffield United manager Paul Heckingbottom has a positive track record against Nottingham Forest on the road. He secured victories in both of his away games against Forest - a 1-0 win with Barnsley in the Championship in January 2017 and a 2-1 victory with the Blades in May 2022 during the Championship play-offs.
No Live Broadcast for Nottingham Forest vs Sheffield United: Unveiling the Unusual Circumstances
The Premier League rivalry between Nottingham Forest and Sheffield United is set to resume this Friday night, but regrettably, fans won't have the chance to witness the match as it unfolds live.
Both teams are on a quest to secure their inaugural points of the season, with Nottingham Forest having suffered a 2-1 loss against Arsenal and Sheffield United experiencing a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Crystal Palace.
Interestingly, this upcoming clash also holds significance as the first encounter between the two sides since Nottingham Forest narrowly prevailed over Sheffield United through a penalty shootout during the Championship play-off semi-final in 2022.
Despite the customary practice of televising matches in the Friday evening time slot, this particular fixture will deviate from the norm, with no live broadcast available. In this article, talkSPORT.com delves into the unique circumstances that have led to this unusual situation.