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Nottingham Post
Nottingham Post
Sport
Matt Lee

Sky Sports pundit backs 'heavyweight' Nottingham Forest to win promotion in Championship play-offs

Sky Sports pundit Jobi McAnuff has backed Nottingham Forest for promotion to the Premier League ahead of their Championship play-off fixtures against Sheffield United.

Forest were held to a 1-1 draw at Hull City on the final day of the regular season, meaning they will face the Blades in the play-offs. Brennan Johnson scored a penalty in stoppage time to put the Reds ahead, but any thought of a semi-final against Luton Town were very brief as Keane Lewis-Potter snatched a late equaliser in Yorkshire.

Steve Cooper's side will now face the Blades in a replica of the 2003 Division One play-off semi-finals when Sheffield United won in dramatic style in extra-time.

READ MORE: Nottingham Forest fans make 'revenge' claim as Reds prepare for Sheffield United in play-offs

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Speaking as a pundit on Sky Sports for their coverage of Luton Town's 1-0 win over Reading, McAnuff - who has won promotion twice as a player for the Royals and Leyton Orient - said he expects Forest to reach the Premier League.

Asked by Sky Sports presenter David Prutton who will win the play-offs, McAnuff said: "Luton Town and Huddersfield are the two underdogs. They certainly were at the start of the season but still are now when you look at their budgets, they are two teams that have done really well. Then you've got two heavyweights in terms of this division for sure.

"Forest I just have a feeling about because of how well they have done to get to this position. There are a lot of teams arriving in good form, though. Huddersfield have been magnificent. If I'm to be pushed for one then I'd back Nottingham Forest."

Murray added: "I think Forest were undone by Bournemouth's experience the other week, but that game felt like a play-off game so gives them some big-game experience heading into the play-offs. It's going to be a real tough tie to pick between Forest and Sheffield United.

"Luton go into the play-offs as the underdogs and Huddersfield enter on good form. Who knows to be honest."

Are you confident heading into the play-offs? Let us know in the comments section below...

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