Winner of this competition last term, Ange Postecoglou will be hoping to finally guide his Nottingham Forest side to a win when they face Midtjylland on matchday two of the UEFA Europa League (UEL).
Match News and Current Form
Postecoglou has experienced a miserable start to his time in charge of Forest, becoming their first permanent boss since the 19th century to go winless in his first five games (D2, L3). That run leaves the Tricky Trees without a victory in seven matches across all competitions in total (D3, L4), but they at least avoided defeat on matchday one in a thriller against Real Betis (D 2-2). Their first European home game since March 1996 now awaits, but the City Ground has been far from a safe haven of late, with Forest losing five of their last seven outings there without reply (W1, D1).
Midtjylland arrive in Nottingham with 48 hours less to recover from their last outing, as they came from behind to beat Randers 2-1 on Monday night. That was the Wolves’ fourth successive victory, while they’re also on their longest-ever European winning streak (W6) after coming through three rounds of qualifiers before beating Sturm Graz 2-0 on matchday one. Victories in all three away games therein should have Mike Tullberg’s men full of confidence that they can take another step towards at least matching last season’s run to the knockout play-off round.
Head-to-Head History
This will be the first H2H between the sides, and Forest’s first game against Danish opposition. Midtjylland have won one of their four meetings with English sides (D1, L2), beating Manchester United 2-1 in February 2016 in this competition.
Hot Stats and Streaks
Forest boss Postecoglou is unbeaten in his last nine UEL home games as manager (W7, D2).
Forest have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last 17 games.
Midtjylland have scored 2+ goals in 12 of their last 13 matches.
All four of Midtjylland’s league phase away games in last season’s UEL ended 2-0 (W2, L2).
Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Igor Jesus starred on matchday one with a brace, and is now looking to become just the second Forest player to score in his first two appearances in Europe for the club. Aral Şimşir has netted five times for Midtjylland this season, four of which came beyond the 50th minute including two strikes in UEL qualifying.
Ola Aina, Murillo and Douglas Luiz will miss out for Forest, while Midtjylland are without Dani Silva and Mikel Gogorza.
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Betting Analysis
It’s hard to envisage the hosts’ woes carrying on much longer, so back the home crowd to help Forest win with over 3.5 match goals.
Author: Ryan Fisher