Nottingham Forest vs Manchester City Preview

• Draw or City to win
• Both teams to score

At the start of the season, few would have predicted that Nottingham Forest would be above Manchester City heading into March.

However, that’s the exact scenario we find ourselves in, with Forest clinging onto a top-four spot, while City’s title defence has collapsed.

Despite their remarkable campaign, Forest’s form has dipped in recent weeks, winning just one of their last five league games (D1, L3).

They are only two points inside the top four, meaning that a loss here, coupled with other results, could see them drop out of the Champions League places for the first time in 2025.

However, playing at the City Ground gives them confidence, as they’ve won seven of their last ten league matches at home (D2, L1). The challenge will be overcoming a poor head-to-head record against City, having not beaten them in the league since December 1997 (D2, L7).

For Manchester City, this season has been one of massive underperformance. With just 47 points after 27 games, this is their worst tally at this stage since 2009/10, when they had just 46 points. Their title defence is all but over, meaning their main goal now is securing a top-four finish.

City at least have FA Cup and European success to fight for, but their league form has been frustratingly inconsistent. Despite winning six of their last nine Premier League matches (D1, L2), their two losses came against other top-four rivals. That raises concerns about their ability to perform in big games this season.

This game is crucial for both teams: Forest need to stay in the top four, while City need to avoid their worst-ever Premier League points total under Pep Guardiola.

Key Stats & Facts

• Nottingham Forest are winless in their last nine league meetings with Manchester City (D2, L7).
• Forest have won seven of their last ten home league games (D2, L1).
• City’s 47 points after 27 rounds is their lowest tally since 2009/10.
• City have lost both of their last two games against teams currently in the top four.
• Chris Wood is the only Nottingham Forest player to score against Manchester City in the Premier League since their top-flight return.
• Erling Haaland has scored four of his last six goals in games City lost.

Nottingham Forest: Can They Hold Onto a Top-Four Spot?

Nuno Espírito Santo’s side have exceeded expectations this season, but their recent dip in form is a concern. If they want to stay in the Champions League places, they need to return to winning ways quickly.

Forest will take confidence from their home form, as they’ve been excellent at the City Ground, but beating Manchester City is a huge task. They will need a strong defensive performance and clinical finishing in attack to have any chance.

Recent Form (Last Five Premier League Matches)

• Nottingham Forest 4-3 Newcastle – Win
• Fulham 2-1 Nottingham Forest – Loss
• Nottingham Forest 0-2 Arsenal – Loss
• Tottenham 3-1 Nottingham Forest – Loss
• Nottingham Forest 1-1 Aston Villa – Draw

Key Player: Chris Wood (Forward)

• The only Nottingham Forest player to score against Manchester City in the Premier League.
• 11 goal involvements in his last 9 league games (8 goals, 3 assists).
• Aerially dominant and a clinical finisher.

Manchester City: Can They Avoid Their Worst Points Total Under Guardiola?

It has been a season to forget for Manchester City, who are now just fighting for a top-four finish. Their inconsistency against top teams is a major worry, and they will need to show much more fight if they want to take all three points.

City do have the firepower to hurt Forest, but they cannot afford another sluggish performance. This match will be a real test of their mentality after a disappointing season.

Recent Form (Last Five Premier League Matches)

• Manchester City 2-0 Chelsea – Win
• Liverpool 2-0 Manchester City – Loss
• Manchester City 3-1 Brentford – Win
• Manchester City 1-5 Arsenal – Loss
• Burnley 0-3 Manchester City – Win

Key Player: Erling Haaland (Forward)

• Scored the winning goal in City’s last league match.
• Has four goals in City’s last six league games.
• However, four of his last six goals came in matches City lost.

Team News & Predicted Lineups

Nottingham Forest Team News

• Callum Hudson-Odoi remains sidelined.
• Taiwo Awoniyi is doubtful due to a muscle injury.
• Espirito Santo will likely field a defensive setup with Chris Wood leading the attack.

Manchester City Team News

• Jack Grealish remains out due to a groin injury.
• Kevin De Bruyne is likely to feature but may not start.
• John Stones is fit and expected to return to the lineup.

Head-to-Head Record (Last 10 Meetings)

Key Trends

• Man City have won seven of the last nine league meetings (D2, L0).
• The last time Forest beat City in the Premier League was in December 1997.
• City won the reverse fixture 2-0 at the Etihad earlier this season.

Match Prediction

Nottingham Forest have been excellent at home, and City have struggled for consistency this season. However, City still have the quality to grind out a win, and they may be able to do just enough to take three points.

Forest will make life difficult, but City’s experience and quality in attack should give them the edge in what is expected to be a tight contest.

Final Score Prediction: Nottingham Forest 1-2 Manchester City

• Chris Wood to score for Forest.
• Erling Haaland to continue his scoring form.
• City to narrowly edge out a close-fought battle.

For more info on this game, you may also visit:
Nottm Forest v Man City, 2024/25 | Premier League