Nottingham Forest vs Manchester City Prediction, Preview, Team News and Lineups 08.03.2025

• Date and Time: Saturday, March 8, 2025, 13:30 GMT+1
• Venue: City Ground, Nottingham, England

Nottingham Forest vs Manchester City Preview and Team News 

Nottingham Forest Team News

Under Nuno Espírito Santo, Nottingham Forest have been one of the Premier League’s surprise packages this season. Currently occupying third place with 48 points from 27 matches, they are firmly in contention for a Champions League spot. 

Their recent form, however, has been a mixed bag. They secured progression in the FA Cup with a penalty shootout victory over Ipswich Town following a 1-1 draw. In the Premier League, they’ve faced challenges, suffering defeats to Newcastle United 3-2 and Fulham 1-2, but managed a commendable 0-0 draw against Arsenal.

Nottingham Forest’s revival this season is due to their solid defensive structure and quick counter-attacks. Under Nuno Espírito Santo, they use a 4-3-3 formation that transitions smoothly between defense and attack. 

The central defensive duo of Nikola Milenković and Murillo offers stability, while full-backs Ola Aina and Neco Williams provide attacking width.

In midfield, Nicolas Dominguez, Ryan Yates, Elliot Anderson, and Morgan Gibbs-White blend tenacity with creativity. Dominguez or Yates disrupts opposition play, enabling Anderson and Gibbs-White to connect defense and attack. Wide forwards Anthony Elanga and Callum Hudson-Odoi exploit spaces behind defenders, supporting central striker Chris Wood.

pic.twitter.com/EzrXzFXgOp

— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) March 4, 2025

Wood’s physicality and aerial skills have been key, with 18 goals this season underscoring his impact on Forest’s offense.

Nottingham Forest have been formidable at home, remaining unbeaten at the City Ground since November. This resilience has been pivotal in their ascent up the table. The team has no significant injury concerns ahead of the clash with Manchester City, allowing Espírito Santo to field his strongest XI.

Nottingham Forest predicted lineup vs Manchester City (4-2-3-1): Sels; Aina, Milenkovic, Murillo, Willams; Yates, Anderson; Elanga, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi; Wood

Manchester City Team News

Manchester City, the reigning champions, find themselves in an unfamiliar position, sitting fourth with 47 points, just one point behind their upcoming opponents. Their season has been marred by inconsistency and a spate of injuries to key players.

The recent 3-1 victory over Plymouth Argyle in the FA Cup provided a morale boost, but their Premier League form has been patchy, with defeats to Liverpool 2-0 and Real Madrid 3-1 in the Champions League highlighting their vulnerabilities.

The injury list is a growing concern for manager Pep Guardiola. Defender Nathan Aké recently underwent surgery for a fractured foot and is expected to be sidelined for several months. 

Additionally, Manuel Akanji is facing an extended period out due to an adductor injury requiring surgery, further depleting City’s defensive options. On a positive note, midfielder Rodri has resumed individual training after a long-term knee injury, though his return to competitive action remains uncertain.

“All for the camera!” 📸😅

A vintage @ErlingHaaland finish ✈️ pic.twitter.com/sURFUZIQCb

— Manchester City (@ManCity) March 5, 2025

Manchester City, traditionally known for their possession-based approach under Guardiola, have faced challenges this season, particularly in defense due to injuries. 

The absence of key defenders has forced Guardiola to adapt, often deploying midfielders Nico Gonzalez and Bernardo Silva in deeper roles to maintain ball progression from the back.

Manchester City predicted lineup vs Nottingham Forest (4-2-3-1): Ederson; Lewis, Khusanov, Dias, Gvardiol; Gonzalez, Silva; Savinho, Marmoush, Doku; Haaland

Nottingham Forest vs Manchester City Prediction 

• Pick: Nottingham Forest won`t lose
• Odds: 1.94 (22Bet)
• Score prediction: Nottingham Forest 1-1 Manchester City

Nottingham Forest’s tactical blueprint is clear: sit deep, remain compact, and hit opponents on the break. 

As a result of this strategy, Forest have already posed significant challenges for teams like Arsenal and Liverpool this season. Last year, they nearly secured points against Manchester City at the City Ground. This year, it seems that Santo’s team is poised to achieve that goal.

Nottingham Forest vs Manchester City Prediction, Betting Tip

• Pick: Total Under 3.5
• Odds: 1.54 (22Bet)

Nottingham Forest have averaged 1.69 goals per game at home this season, while Manchester City have averaged 1.79 goals per game away. 

Nottingham Forest’s defense has been particularly strong at home, conceding an average of 0.77 goals per match. Additionally, goalkeeper Matz Sels, leads the league with 11 clean sheets, underscoring their defensive solidity.

Considering these statistics, a total under 3.5 goals is a reasonable expectation for their upcoming match.

Disclaimer: The content provided on this page, including all football predictions, odds, and related information, is for entertainment and informational purposes only. While we strive to ensure accuracy and timeliness, we do not guarantee the correctness or reliability of any predictions, data, or information presented here. 

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