While City comes into the game as the favorites, they will have to overcome some injury woes and recent inconsistencies to maintain their momentum. For Forest, it’s an opportunity to bounce back from a recent dip in form and solidify their position among the league’s elite.
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- Nottingham Forest: Forest will be without their backup goalkeeper Carlos Miguel (hamstring), but first-choice keeper Matz Sels, who starred in their recent penalty-shootout win over Ipswich, will continue in goal. The defensive lineup is expected to change with Nikola Milenkovic and Neco Williams replacing Morato and Alex Moreno, while Ola Aina and Murillo will form the other half of the back four. In midfield, Elliot Anderson is set to be recalled alongside either Danilo, Nicolas Dominguez, or Ryan Yates. On the wings, Anthony Elanga and Callum Hudson-Odoi are set to retain their spots, with Morgan Gibbs-White taking his usual number 10 role behind Chris Wood. The striker has been in stellar form recently, contributing 11 goals in his last nine Premier League appearances (8 goals, 3 assists), and he is the only player to have scored for Forest against Man City since their return to the Premier League in 2022.
- Manchester City: Pep Guardiola’s side will be missing several key players, with Nathan Ake, Rodri (ACL), Manuel Akanji (abductor), John Stones (thigh), and Oscar Bobb (fitness) all sidelined. Despite these setbacks, Guardiola has a wealth of talent to choose from. Expect Ederson, Ruben Dias, and Phil Foden to return to the lineup, with Jeremy Doku, Mateo Kovacic, and possibly Omar Marmoush also in contention for a starting place. One key player who will be critical for City is striker Erling Haaland, who has scored 13 of his 20 Premier League goals in situations where his goals either put City ahead or leveled the match. Haaland's ability to be decisive in key moments will be vital as City seek to maintain their push for the top four.
Recent Form and Head-to-Head
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- Nottingham Forest (All competitions): WWLLDW
- Manchester City (Premier League): WWLWLW
- Manchester City (All competitions): LWLLWW
Nottingham Forest’s surprising push for a top-four finish has hit a snag in recent weeks. They’ve won just one of their last five league games (D1, L3), and although they remain in third place, they’re only a few points ahead of several teams breathing down their necks. Their home form has been very strong in the league, winning seven of their last ten league games at the City Ground (D2, L1), giving them some hope ahead of this difficult clash with City.
On the other hand, Manchester City has struggled with consistency this season, sitting in fourth place and one point off Forest. With a modest 47 points after 27 matches, this is City’s lowest tally under Pep Guardiola after this stage of the season. However, they’ve shown small signs of improvement recently, picking up 16 points in 2025 (W5, D1, L2).
The head-to-head record between these two sides is heavily in favor of Manchester City. Forest is winless in their last nine league encounters with City (D2, L7), with their last victory over the Citizens coming in a 3-2 win at Maine Road in December 1997. City has won their last three meetings with Forest by a combined score of 7-0, and they’ll be aiming for a fourth consecutive win against the Tricky Trees in the league.
For Forest, this is an opportunity to break that long-standing hoodoo and assert themselves as genuine contenders for a top-four finish. With City’s recent defensive frailties, Forest may sense an opening, especially considering their solid home form. However, the pressure will be on as they aim to ensure they don’t slip out of the top four, with several teams hot on their heels.
Matchup
This game will be decided by the battle between Forest’s sturdy defense and City’s explosive attack. Chris Wood’s form will be key for Forest, as the striker has been directly involved in 11 goals in his last nine Premier League matches. If he can continue his fine run and capitalize on any defensive lapses from City, Forest will fancy their chances of taking points off the visitors.
For City, Erling Haaland will be the main threat. His ability to score in crucial moments has been a hallmark, and his recent return to form could prove decisive. Despite the injuries to several key players, City’s attacking options are still formidable, and Forest will need to be at their best defensively to contain the likes of Haaland, Foden, and De Bruyne.
Conclusion
This is a massive game for both teams, as they both battle for a place in next season’s Champions League. Forest will look to break their poor record against City and return to winning ways, while City will aim to overcome their injury woes and continue their push for a top-four finish. With the stakes high and both teams struggling with consistency, it promises to be an exciting and unpredictable encounter at the City Ground. Forest’s home form gives them a glimmer of hope, but City’s firepower and recent head-to-head dominance make them the favorites going into this match.