The second Carabao Cup semi-final starts tonight with the City Ground hosting two clubs, in Forest and United, with plenty of prestige in this competition. The hosts have lifted the trophy four times and are on their first trip to the final four since the heady days of Brian Clough.
As for Man United, their 2017 triumph was their fifth Carabao Cup victory and their most recent domestic trophy lift - creating a relatively long, dark spell for the club that Erik ten Hag is desperate to end. Therefore, it would not be a surprise to see a strong team selected by the Dutchman with Casemiro back from a ban.
Since a 3-0 defeat at Old Trafford in late December, Forest have lost just one of six games as Steve Cooper’s side assert themselves at the top level. Follow Nottingham Forest vs Manchester United live via Standard Sport’s match blog!
Next up, the players will arrive into a vociferous atmosphere in the East Midlands.
One of the big wildcards tonight is how Danilo will get on in his debut...
1674676208Steve Cooper hopes to rally his players to make the most of tonight’s first leg in front of Forest’s own fans.
“There's enough recovery and preparation time to be ready for these games, there's no doubt about that,” he said. “The two games have actually come at a good time.
“It's a semi-final, we really want to commit to it, we really want to attack it. Obviously it's Man United, it's over two legs, incredibly tough games - but ones we want to have no regrets about.
“We're in the semi-final of an important cup. I think we should go into it thinking they don't come along very often, so treat it like it might be the last one.”
1674675976A comfortable 3-0 win for Man United almost a month ago today will give them confidence tonight.
1674675686“It’s great to play such games. Everyone in the club is excited, the fans especially but also the players.
“We approach it like this, it’s a big game. We have a strong team tonight, we want to win so we do everything we have in our capability.”
1674675542Confirmation from Erik ten Hag regarding his left-back, who is now a bit of a doubt to face Reading on Saturday.
1674675282The Man United boss lifted six cups at Ajax, all of which came since his new club’s last honour in 2017!
“It's the best feeling,” he said. “I had the luck in my career to win some trophies and it's magnificent, especially for the fans.
“It's so great and I think the fans here have some experience, especially the older ones. But now it is a period Manchester United didn't win trophies and it is too long ago.
“We are aware of that fact and we have to do everything to bring a trophy in.”
AFP via Getty Images
1674674955The warm-ups are underway at The City Ground with kick-off in half an hour’s time.
1674674835You know it’s a big’un when the Carabao Cup itself drops by...
PA
1674674522Forest won this very competition just over 33 years ago!
Latest
updatesOlder
updates