Manchester City will host Nottingham Forest at the Etihad Stadium in a Premier League clash that promises to deliver intrigue and high stakes. The home side, enduring a surprising dip in form, desperately need to end their winless streak, while Forest, buoyed by a recent run of great form, will aim to deepen City’s woes.
With City battling injuries and trying to rediscover their rhythm, Pep Guardiola faces tough choices in his lineup selection. Meanwhile, Forest will look to capitalise on their opponents’ vulnerabilities, bolstered by key players returning to form.
Here’s a look at the predicted lineups for both teams ahead of this crucial encounter.
Manchester City Team News
City’s midfield woes persist with Rodri and Mateo Kovačić sidelined, forcing Guardiola to experiment in recent games. The lightweight trio of Matheus Nunes, İlkay Gündoğan, and Rico Lewis struggled against Liverpool, so changes may be on the cards.
Kevin De Bruyne could return to the starting XI to bring much-needed creativity, with Bernardo Silva and Phil Foden supporting Erling Haaland in attack.
In defence, Joško Gvardiol might reclaim his spot alongside Rúben Dias, with Kyle Walker and Nathan Aké providing width.
Despite a recent benching, Ederson is expected to resume goalkeeping duties, aiming to restore stability to City's backline.
Manchester City Predicted Lineup to Face Nottingham Forest
(4-2-3-1): Ederson; Walker, Akanji, Rúben Dias, Gvardiol; Nunes, Gündoğan, Silva, De Bruyne, Foden; Håland.
Here is how the side last lined up
Nottingham Forest Predicted Lineup
Forest manager Nuno Espírito Santo will likely stick with a solid 4-3-3 formation. Morgan Gibbs-White is a key playmaker, with Anthony Elanga and Chris Wood providing width and scoring threat.
Elliot Anderson should retain his place in midfield, supported by Ryan Yates and Morgan Gibbs-White.
In defence, Neco Williams might make way for Álex Moreno, while Nikola Milenković and Murillo will look to thwart Haaland’s advances. Keeper Matz Sels is set to start between the sticks.
Nottingham Forest Predicted Lineup to Face Manchester City
(4-3-3): Sels; Aina, Milenković, Murillo, Moreno; Yates, Anderson, Gibbs-White; Elanga, Hudson-Odoi, Wood.
Notts Forest 
Man City 
