Two Premier League teams battling for a top-four finish go head-to-head at the City Ground on Saturday as third-placed Nottingham Forest host fourth-placed Manchester City.
The Citizens are aiming to complete a league double over Forest for the second consecutive season, having secured a comfortable 3-0 victory in the reverse fixture at the Etihad Stadium in December. Meanwhile, Forest will be looking to rediscover their form and keep their top-four hopes alive.
Nottingham Forest Seeking a Turnaround in Form
Nottingham Forest have been one of the surprise teams of the season, fighting for a top-four spot despite narrowly avoiding relegation last season. Under Nuno Espirito Santo, they have transformed into a competitive side and are also just one win away from securing a place at Wembley in the FA Cup.
However, their recent form has taken a dip. Forest required penalty shootouts to edge past both Exeter City and Ipswich Town in the FA Cup, while in the league, they have managed just one point in their last three fixtures.
Back-to-back defeats to Fulham and Newcastle United were followed by a goalless draw against Arsenal at home. Although they remain in third place, the gap between them and the teams below has narrowed significantly, with just six points separating third from tenth.
Their record against Manchester City does not offer much encouragement. Forest have failed to win any of their last nine league meetings with City, with their last victory against them in the league coming in 1997 at Maine Road.
Manchester City Aiming for Consistency
Manchester City head into this game after securing a narrow 1-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League, keeping them in the race for a top-four finish.
In the FA Cup, City avoided a shock exit by coming from behind to beat Plymouth Argyle 3-1, setting up a quarter-final tie against Bournemouth.
City’s league form in 2025 has been inconsistent, but only Liverpool and Arsenal have collected more points than them this year. They remain one of the most prolific teams in the league, having scored 21 goals in 2025, the joint-most with Liverpool.
However, their away form has been a concern, as they have picked up just one point from their last seven league matches where they started the day in the top four. Guardiola will be looking for a strong response from his squad to solidify their position in the Champions League spots.
City’s recent record against Forest is dominant, with three consecutive wins without conceding a goal. If they manage another victory on Saturday, it will be their fourth straight win over Forest in the Premier League, something they have never achieved before.
A reminder of the table before the weekend’s matches get under way pic.twitter.com/SrQgfPeHAB
— Premier League (@premierleague) March 7, 2025
Team News and Expected Lineups
Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest have only one injury absentee, backup goalkeeper Carlos Miguel, who is out with a hamstring problem. Matz Sels, who was the hero in the penalty shootout win over Ipswich, will continue in goal.
Nikola Milenkovic and Neco Williams are expected to come into the defense alongside Ola Aina and Murillo. In midfield, Elliot Anderson is likely to return and could start alongside either Danilo, Nicolas Dominguez, or Ryan Yates.
Callum Hudson-Odoi and Anthony Elanga are set to retain their places on the wings, with Morgan Gibbs-White playing in the number 10 role behind Chris Wood, who has been involved in 11 goals in his last nine league matches.
Nottingham Forest predicted lineup:
Sels; Aina, Milenkovic, Murillo, Williams; Danilo, Anderson; Elanga, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi; Wood
Manchester City
City’s injury concerns include Nathan Ake, Rodri, Manuel Akanji, John Stones, and Oscar Bobb. Guardiola is expected to rotate his squad after making multiple changes in the FA Cup win over Plymouth.
Ederson, Ruben Dias, Mateo Kovacic, Savinho, Jeremy Doku, Phil Foden, and Omar Marmoush are all expected to return to the starting XI.
Erling Haaland will lead the attack once again. He has been City’s key player this season, with 13 of his 20 league goals either putting his team ahead or bringing them level, a record only matched by Mohamed Salah.
Manchester City predicted lineup:
Ederson; Lewis, Khusanov, Dias, Gvardiol; Gonzalez, Kovacic; Savinho, Marmoush, Doku; Haaland
Jambobet Betting Tips
Match Winner: Manchester City Win
Manchester City’s superior squad depth and recent dominance over Forest make them favorites to take all three points.
Both Teams to Score (GG): Yes
Forest have been strong at home, and with Chris Wood leading the attack, they are capable of scoring. However, City’s attack is one of the best in the league, making both teams scoring a likely outcome.
Over 2.5 Goals: Yes
City’s attacking firepower, coupled with Forest’s defensive vulnerabilities against top teams, makes this a strong bet. Expect a high-scoring encounter.
Prediction: Nottingham Forest 1-2 Manchester City
Manchester City have had a full week to prepare for this fixture, giving Guardiola’s side an advantage in terms of rest and tactical adjustments. While Forest will be a tough opponent at home, City’s experience and firepower should see them edge this contest and move up to third in the table.
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