The English Premier League returns for gameweek 30 on Tuesday, April 1, 2025 following the end of the international break. Nottingham Forest will host Manchester United at the City Ground while Arsenal welcomes Fulham to the Emirates Stadium. Both matches carry significant implications for the teams involved, promising an exciting evening of football.
Nottingham Forest versus Manchester United
Nottingham Forest’s remarkable campaign continues as they aim to solidify their position in the top four. Currently third in the Premier League with 54 points from 29 matches, Forest’s resurgence under manager Nuno Espírito Santo has been nothing short of impressive.
Their recent FA Cup quarter-final victory over Brighton and Hove Albion, secured through a tense penalty shootout, is proof of their improvement this season. Having beaten Manchester City and Liverpool in the league already, they look likely to add Manchester United to that number.
Manchester United, on the other hand, find themselves in a transitional phase. Under the guidance of manager Ruben Amorim, the Red Devils are placed 13th in the league, having accumulated 37 points from 29 matches. Despite their lower standing, United are on a seven-match unbeaten streak across all competitions, indicating a potential turnaround in form.
Team news for United is positive with defenders Harry Maguire and Leny Yoro returning from injuries, providing a much-needed boost to their backline. Captain Bruno Fernandes remains pivotal, having contributed significantly to the team’s recent successes.
For Forest, the absence of key striker Chris Wood due to international duties poses a challenge, but the team’s collective resilience has been a hallmark of their season. Both teams need a win especially with the season winding to its end. Forest need to secure European qualification and for United, finishing in the top half of the log may just be within their reach.
Arsenal versus Fulham
Arsenal enters this London derby with dreams of closing the gap on Premier League leaders Liverpool. A victory would reduce Liverpool’s lead to nine points, keeping the Gunners’ title hopes alive. Mikel Arteta’s side has been formidable at home, securing nine wins this season and will look to continue this trend against Fulham.
Fulham, currently eighth in the league and will be looking to bounce back after their FA Cup exit at the hands of Crystal Palace. The Cottagers have been solid this season with notable victories over Chelsea and Newcastle United.
Striker Raúl Jiménez, along with Alex Iwobi and Antonee have been performing excellently this season. The Cottagers will prove to be a tough test for the Gunners.
Arsenal’s squad receives a boost with the return of Bukayo Saka, who has recovered from hamstring surgery. Saka’s return to the fold means Arsenal have more firepower in attack.
His trickery and direct approach will cause worry for the Fulham defense. Fulham are no slouch either. Their recent form and resilience against the big teams is something Arteta will factor. Nonetheless, Arsenal are favorites to take all 3 points.
