Manchester City are set to face Nottingham Forest at the Etihad Stadium in a Premier League clash on Wednesday evening. After a concerning seven-game winless streak, Pep Guardiola’s side aims to bounce back against a Forest team that has been quietly solid this season.
Manchester City Recent Form
Pep Guardiola's reigning champions are in uncharted territory, enduring a string of four consecutive Premier League losses. Most recently, they succumbed 2-0 to league leaders Liverpool.
The defeat highlighted City's attacking inefficiency, despite the talent at their disposal. Now fifth in the league, City must rediscover their clinical edge to stay in contention for at least European qualification.
Nottingham Forest Recent Form
Nottingham Forest, meanwhile, has been exceeding expectations. A hard-fought 1-0 win against Ipswich Town last weekend stopped a two-game losing streak.
Chris Wood’s penalty secured the three points, lifting the side to sixth in the table, just one point behind their illustrious opponents.
Injury and Team News
Manchester City
City welcome back Jeremy Doku, who made a lively cameo against Liverpool. However, key players such as Rodri (ACL), Mateo Kovacic (unspecified), and John Stones (foot) remain sidelined.
Guardiola may consider changes, with Jack Grealish and Kevin De Bruyne both pushing for starts after starting on the bench last weekend.
Nottingham Forest
Forest manager Nuno Espírito Santo has fewer injury concerns, though Danilo (ankle) and Ibrahim Sangaré (hamstring) remain unavailable.
Anthony Elanga and Morgan Gibbs-White should feature after overcoming recent niggles, while Jota Silva is expected to retain his place after winning the decisive penalty against Ipswich.
Last Manchester City Lineup
Last Nottingham Forest Lineup
Manchester City vs Nottingham Forest - Who is the referee and VAR?
Referee: Michael Oliver.
Assistants: Stuart Burt, Scott Ledger.
Fourth official: Tom Bramall.
VAR: Peter Bankes.
Assistant VAR: Dan Cook.
Manchester City Player to Watch
Erling Haaland
The Norwegian striker will be pivotal as City look to reignite their attack. Despite a goal drought by his standards, Haaland remains one of the league’s most dangerous players.
Nottingham Forest Player to Watch
Chris Wood
Forest’s talisman has been in fine form, scoring nine of his team’s 16 goals this season. His physicality and finishing ability will test City's backline.
Prediction
While Forest’s away form has been commendable, City’s desperation to end their slump could push them over the line. Expect a tightly contested affair, with Guardiola’s side narrowly edging it.
Our Prediction: Manchester City 2-1 Nottingham Forest
Betting Tips
Tip 1
Manchester City to win – Despite their poor form, City’s quality and home advantage give them the upper hand.
Tip 2
Under 3.5 goals – Both teams have struggled for prolific scoring recently, making a low-scoring match likely.
Tip 3
Chris Wood to score anytime – The striker has been Forest’s standout player and poses a threat even against tougher defences.
