Nottingham Forest look to continue their push for Champions League football as they host Manchester City at the City Ground. After narrowly avoiding relegation last season few would have predicted that Forest would be in the mix for a top four finish this time around. Manchester City meanwhile, will look to solidify their top four status. Pep Guardiola’s side have had an inconsistent Premier League campaign so far but a win today would guarantee they end the weekend in third place.
Following a stunning 7-0 thrashing of Brighton & Hove Albion at the start of February, Forest have struggled to maintain momentum. Consecutive defeats against Fulham and Newcastle were followed by a hard fought goalless draw against Arsenal, leaving Nuno Espírito Santo’s men under pressure. Only six points separate third place from 10th meaning Forest can not afford any slip ups with just 11 league games remaining. While their recent FA Cup run has provided excitement with penalty shootout wins over Exeter City and Ipswich Town. Now, their last win against City came back in 1997, when they secured a 3-2 victory at Maine Road in the second tier.
City come into this game fresh from an FA Cup victory over Plymouth Argyle where they recovered from an early setback to win 3-1. Despite some struggles in the league Guardiola’s men remain one of the most dangerous attacking sides in the division. They have scored 21 goals in 2025, level with Liverpool for the most in the league during this calendar year. However, their record when starting a match inside the top four is concerning. Since November, City have taken just one point from seven such matches conceding at least twice in each. City have recently won their last three Premier League games against the Tricky Trees without conceding, outscoring them 7-0 in that run.
Forest are only missing backup goalkeeper Carlos Miguel, meaning Matz Sels will continue between the sticks. Nikola Milenkovic and Neco Williams are set to return in defence, while Elliot Anderson could be recalled in midfield.
City’s injury list includes Nathan Ake (foot), Rodri (ACL), Manuel Akanji (abductor), John Stones (thigh), and Oscar Bobb (fitness). Guardiola is expected to recall several key names, with Ederson, Ruben Dias, Mateo Kovacic, Savinho, Jeremy Doku, and Phil Foden all pushing for a starting role.
Nottingham Forest possible lineup: Sels; Aina, Milenkovic, Murillo, Williams; Danilo, Anderson; Elanga, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi; Wood
Manchester City possible lineup: Ederson; Lewis, Khusanov, Dias, Gvardiol; Gonzalez, Kovacic; Savinho, Marmoush, Doku; Haaland
