The city ground is set for a blockbuster game as Nottingham Forest take on Sheffield United. Forest boss Steve Cooper does seem to have history for handing out hammerings that led to him getting sacked. And with the Blades struggling in form, could we see Cooper’s men run riot again?

Forest have had an up and down season back in the premier league. But at home they've shown they can beat anyone, just ask Liverpool after their shock 1-0 loss.

Sheffield United's promotion push has hit the buffers lately after a strong start under Heckingbottom. Another loss at a bouncing City Ground could turn up the heat on the Blades boss.

Will Forest continue their giant-killing ways on home turf? Or can the experienced Blades ride out the hostile atmosphere to pick up a vital point or three?

Nottingham Forest vs Sheffield United: The Little Big Clash

The City Ground is gearing up for a cracker of a match as Nottingham Forest take on Sheffield United in the hunt for a permanent spot in the Premier League. Nottingham Forest came back into the league last year after 23 years. Sheffield was promoted to the Premier League in 2018–19, though they returned to the Championship in 2021. The club will again play in the Premier League in 2023–24 this season after a two year gap playing the championship. 

Match Details

It's happening this coming weekend on Friday, August 18th, 2023 at Forest's home ground in Nottingham. Kick-off is at 19:45 BST (18:45 UTC)

Nottingham Forest

Forest Have Completely Overhauled Their Squad After Winning Promotion

Forest have totally revamped their squad over the summer after going up from the Championship under manager Steve Cooper. The Welsh gaffer has brought in a whopping 12 new signings as he tries to build a side that can cut it in the Premier League.

Cooper came to Forest last September when they were stuck at the bottom of the second tier. The old Swansea boss turned their fortunes right around and guided them all the way to promotion through the playoffs. Now he's got the tough task of working his magic again to make sure Forest's stay in the top flight isn't a short one.

Getting the new guys blended into the team quickly will be massive if Forest want to start the season off well. But Cooper will be confident he can get them playing the exciting, fast-paced football that was so successful last time out.

Nottingham Forest have hit the January sales hard to give their squad a real boost for the relegation run-in. The Reds have brought in some exciting attacking talents to liven up their forward line and add some much-needed firepower.

Chris Wood Can Bang in the Goals

The headline arrival is experienced striker Chris Wood from Newcastle. Now at 31 years old, the Kiwi still has plenty left in the tank and his signing is a real coup for Forest.

With his aerial presence and hold-up play, Wood gives Forest a real physical focal point in attack. He might not be the paciest, but his positioning and link-up play will bring others into the game.

Over the years in the Premier League, Wood has shown he can put the ball in the net. Forest have struggled for goals this season, but if Wood can recreate his best form he could easily bang in ten plus goals before May.

Just what's needed to fire Forest away from trouble. Having a striker like Wood who can bring midfielders like Lingard and Johnson into play will add a whole new dimension to their attack.

Elanga Brings Raw Pace and Energy

Joining Wood through the entrance is Manchester United's young winger Anthony Elanga. A rising talent at just 21, the Swedish flier will give Forest raw pace and direct running from wide areas.

Elanga loves taking on full-backs and getting balls into the box, which is an area Forest have lacked quality in. His trickery and ability to beat defenders will make him a real handful.

The youngster broke through under Ralf Rangnick at Old Trafford last season and will be eager to play regular Premier League football. Working with a manager like Cooper who believes in giving youth a chance could be ideal for Elanga's development.

Having a pacy outlet like Elanga to stretch defenses will provide space for Wood to operate centrally. The duo could form an exciting new-look strike partnership in the crucial months ahead.

Turner Adds Competition in Goal

Forest have also strengthened between the sticks by snapping up American international Matt Turner from Arsenal. Turner will provide serious competition for current number one Dean Henderson.

With Champions League experience under his belt at 28 years old, Turner is a top class shot-stopper who will be hungry for Premier League action. Having two quality keepers battling to start each week is a great headache for Cooper to have.

Loans Cut Short to Refresh Squad

A number of players have headed for the City Ground exit door as well, including Jack Colback joining QPR permanently. Several loan deals were also ended prematurely to refresh the squad.

The likes of Lingard, Ayew and Navas departing does reduce depth. But bringing in Wood and Elanga adds more dynamism to the attack, which has looked flat at times.

The new attacking recruits can hopefully link up with creative sparks to get Forest firing. More goals will be crucial for Cooper's men to pull away from the drop zone and retain their Premier League status.

With the club active in the winter window, there is renewed hope and optimism around the City Ground. Forest fans will be praying Wood and Elanga can have the desired impact and boost their survival mission.

Sheffield United

Blades and Midfield Overhaul 

Sheffield United have been wheeling and dealing in the winter window to give their midfield options a real shake up. Some astute signings have arrived to inject new energy and dynamism into the engine room.

A wise addition is Tom Davies, who has joined on a free transfer after leaving Everton. The move brings an experienced 25-year-old head into the middle of the park.

Davies always gives 100% and his work rate and tenacity will be so valuable for the Blades. He might not be the flashiest, but Davies keeps things ticking over nicely and breaks up opposition attacks.

His Premier League know-how could be invaluable in the promotion run-in. Davies provides a solid base in midfield and frees up others to roam. A shrewd bit of business getting him on board.

Hamer Adds Steel in Midfield

But the most eye-catching capture has to be tough-tackling midfielder Gustavo Hamer from Coventry. The Brazilian-born Dutch international has been a standout performer for the Sky Blues.

At 26, Hamer is entering his prime years. He loves getting stuck in to break up play and provide a shield to the backline. His aggressive ball-winning ability and defensive awareness make him a formidable presence.

Hamer also has a decent range of passing and brings the ball forward purposefully after winning it back. His powerful surging runs from deep can kick-start dangerous attacks.

With Hamer sitting in and bossing midfield, players like Berge and Fleck are freed up to get forward more. A top signing that really strengthens the Blades spine.

Calmness on the Ball

A more subtle addition is Brazilian midfielder Vini Souza, who arrives from Belgian side Lommel. Souza is an elegant operator who keeps the ball intelligently with quick feet and clever movement.

At 24, he's comfortable receiving the ball under pressure and has a sharp football brain. Souza knits play together nicely in the center and always makes himself available.

His nimble footwork and close control help the Blades retain possession in tight areas. While his smart use of the ball then allows width to be switched quickly.

Souza and Hamer could form a powerful midfield pairing, with the Brazilian's composure complementing Hamer's combativeness.

Pace Added Out Wide

Out wide, pacey full back Yasser Larouci has come in on loan from French club Troyes. The former Liverpool defender will provide a threat galloping down the left flank.

His acceleration and direct attacking style make him an exciting addition. Larouci won't hesitate to drive forward and whip balls into the box.

With Basham's crossing ability on the other flank, Larouci gives the Blades two dangerous wide outlets. They can now stretch teams more going forward.

While up front, young Belgian forward Bénie Traoré joins from Häcken. At just 20, his raw pace and sharp movement give United a new dimension.

Traoré's rapid acceleration can unsettle tiring defenders late on. He'll relish running the channels and chasing balls in behind.

There have been outgoings too, but United have definitely added power and pace this window. The fresh faces can inject renewed energy into a promotion push under Heckingbottom.

Predicted Lineups

Nottingham Forest (3-4-1-2)

Matt Turner

Serge Aurier

Joe Worrall

Scott Mckenna

Ola Aina

Danilo

Orel Mangala

Ryan Yates

Brennan Johnson

Fabio Silva

Anthony Elanga

Sheffield United (3-5-2)

Wes Foderingham

John Egan

Ethan Ampadu

Kean Bryan

George Baldock

John Fleck

Sander Berge

Oliver Norwood

Enda Stevens

Rhian Brewster

Anel Ahmedhodzic

Key Battles at the City Ground

• Midfield Battle

In central midfield, new signing Orel Mangala up against Sheffield's Vini Souza could be pivotal. Mangala loves driving forward with the ball, while Souza keeps it moving quickly with clever footwork. Whoever seizes control of the middle third could dictate the flow of the game.

• Striker vs Defender

Up front, Forest's powerful new striker Chris Wood will be a real handful for Sheffield's John Egan. Wood's aerial presence and hold up play will examine Egan's defensive credentials. The Blades skipper will need to keep tight to Wood and not allow him space in the box.

• Battle of the Wingers

Out wide, Brennan Johnson's bag of tricks will be a test for Sheffield's William Osula. Johnson loves isolating fullbacks in one-on-one situations. But Osula has the experience to shepherd him down the wing and not dive in.