Nottingham Forest vs Manchester City Prediction: Manchester City will likely defeat Nottingham Forest 3-1 at the City Ground, as the Citizens carry a seven-match winning streak and superior form despite Forest’s home advantage and previous 1-0 victory over City at this venue in March 2025.
Match Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Competition | Premier League |
| Date | December 28, 2025 (Saturday) |
| Venue | City Ground, Nottingham |
| Kick-off Time | Early game (12:30 PM GMT) |
| Current Form | Man City: 5 wins in a row / Forest: Mixed results |
| League Position | Man City: 2nd (37 points) / Forest: 17th (18 points) |
Key Facts
- Manchester City can move top of the Premier League table with a victory at the City Ground.
- The Citizens currently sit two points behind Arsenal with 37 points from 17 matches.
- Nottingham Forest defeated Manchester City 1-0 in their last meeting at this venue in March 2025.
- Pep Guardiola’s side has won seven consecutive matches across all competitions.
- Forest sits just one position above the relegation zone with 18 points.
- Manchester City has kept clean sheets in their last three Premier League games.
- The hosts have won four of their last six home matches under Sean Dyche.
- City aims to become the first English top-flight team to win four straight games by three goals with clean sheets.
- Forest seeks back-to-back league wins against Manchester City for the first time in 30 years.
- Both teams have players away at the Africa Cup of Nations.
On This Page
Nottingham Forest vs Manchester City Preview and Prediction
A Premier League encounter between two teams with contrasting objectives.
Manchester City chases the title while Nottingham Forest battles relegation concerns.
The City Ground in Nottingham hosts this fixture. The stadium holds special memories for Forest fans, particularly their historic 1-0 victory over City in March 2025.
Saturday, December 28, 2025, in the early kick-off slot. This timing allows City to temporarily move top before Arsenal faces Brighton at three o’clock.
Manchester City needs maximum points to maintain pressure on Arsenal in the title race.
Forest requires victories to create distance from the relegation zone, currently sitting just one point above the bottom three.
Pep Guardiola leads Manchester City’s charge for another Premier League crown. Sean Dyche guides Nottingham Forest’s survival campaign, bringing his defensive expertise to the challenge.
Predicted Nottingham Forest vs Manchester City Lineups
Nottingham Forest Possible Starting Lineup
Formation: 4-2-3-1
- Goalkeeper: John Victor
- Defenders: Williams, Murillo, Milenkovic, Savona
- Midfielders: Douglas Luiz, Anderson
- Attacking Midfielders: Hudson-Odoi, Gibbs-White, Hutchinson
- Forward: Igor Jesus
Manchester City Possible Starting Lineup
Formation: 4-3-3
- Goalkeeper: Donnarumma
- Defenders: O’Reilly, Gvardiol, Dias, Nunes
- Midfielders: Reijnders, Nico, Silva
- Forwards: Foden, Cherki, Haaland
Team News and Injury Updates
Nottingham Forest Injuries
Sean Dyche faces several selection challenges ahead of this crucial fixture. Chris Wood remains unavailable due to a knee injury and continues individual training sessions.
The striker’s absence represents a significant blow to Forest’s attacking options.
Ola Aina is progressing well in his recovery and has rejoined first-team training, though he lacks match fitness for immediate selection.
Ryan Yates and Dan Ndoye are both undergoing late fitness assessments before the match.
Their availability remains uncertain until closer to kick-off. The club has lost Ibrahim Sangare and Willy Boly to international duty, as both players represent their countries at the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
The positive news includes the return of Nicolas Dominguez, Matz Sels, and Taiwo Awoniyi, who all featured in the squad for the previous match against Fulham.
Manchester City Injuries
Pep Guardiola’s squad depth faces testing times with multiple absentees.
Jeremy Doku will likely miss this fixture, with the Belgian winger not expected back until the Sunderland clash in early January.
John Stones and Oscar Bobb join him on the sidelines, ruling them out of contention.
Rodri continues his recovery from a hamstring problem, though his participation status remains unconfirmed.
The Spanish midfielder’s potential return would provide a significant boost to City’s midfield options.
However, Mateo Kovacic faces an extended absence of approximately three months following his injury setback.
International duty has also impacted City’s squad. Rayan Ait-Nouri and Omar Marmoush are representing their nations at the Africa Cup of Nations and will not feature in this match.
Key Injuries That Could Shift the Game
Chris Wood’s absence for Nottingham Forest removes their primary goal-scoring threat.
The striker’s physical presence and finishing ability have been crucial to Forest’s survival hopes this season.
Without him, Dyche must rely on alternative attacking options that lack Wood’s proven Premier League quality.
For Manchester City, the potential absence of Rodri carries significant weight.
The midfielder’s ability to control tempo and break up opposition attacks has been fundamental to City’s recent winning streak.
His absence could provide Forest with more opportunities to disrupt City’s rhythm and create counter-attacking chances.
Where to Watch Live
Fans across India can watch this match on Star Sports Select HD1, Star Sports Select 1, and stream via JioHotstar.
In the United Kingdom, TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports Ultimate provide coverage, with streaming available through discovery+ and the discovery+ App. TalkSport Radio UK offers audio commentary.
International viewers have numerous options. DAZN Canada serves Canadian audiences, while Amazon Prime Video covers Denmark and Sweden.
Viaplay networks broadcast across Netherlands, Norway, and Finland. Spanish fans can watch on DAZN Spain, and German viewers access coverage through Sky Sport Premier League and WOW.
Tactical Analysis
Manchester City employs their signature possession-based approach under Guardiola.
The team builds attacks patiently from the back, utilizing short passes and intelligent movement.
Their recent defensive solidity has complemented their attacking prowess, creating a formidable combination.
Nottingham Forest under Dyche adopts a more pragmatic style. The team prioritizes defensive organization and looks to exploit counter-attacking opportunities.
Their home form suggests they can frustrate opponents through disciplined defending and quick transitions.
The tactical battle centers on whether Forest can disrupt City’s rhythm while creating enough chances to threaten.
City’s ability to break down organized defenses will face examination against Dyche’s well-drilled unit.
Head-to-Head Analysis
Recent meetings favor Manchester City, though Forest’s March 2025 victory at the City Ground broke a 30-year winless streak against the Citizens.
The historical record shows City’s dominance, including a 6-0 thrashing at the Etihad in September 2022.
In their last ten encounters, Manchester City has won seven matches, with Forest claiming two victories and one draw.
The aggregate score heavily favors City, reflecting their superior quality and consistency.
However, Forest’s ability to win at home against City demonstrates they can compete when conditions suit them. The City Ground atmosphere and Forest’s defensive resilience create challenges for visiting teams.
Statistical Analysis
Manchester City has scored 41 goals in 17 Premier League matches this season, averaging 2.4 goals per game.
Their defensive record shows just 16 goals conceded, giving them a goal difference of +25. This combination places them second in the table with 37 points.
Nottingham Forest has managed 17 goals while conceding 26, resulting in a -9 goal difference.
Their 18 points from 17 matches leave them in 17th position, highlighting their struggles for consistency.
City’s recent form shows five consecutive Premier League victories, all by 3-0 scorelines.
This remarkable consistency demonstrates their current momentum and confidence.
Forest’s form proves more erratic, with their record showing alternating wins and losses in recent fixtures.
Key Players to Watch
Erling Haaland leads Manchester City’s attacking threat. The Norwegian striker’s physical presence and clinical finishing make him dangerous in any situation. His movement creates space for teammates while his goal-scoring record speaks for itself.
Morgan Gibbs-White represents Forest’s creative spark. The midfielder’s ability to link play and create chances provides crucial support to the attack. His performance could determine whether Forest generates enough quality opportunities.
Phil Foden offers City versatility and creativity. His technical ability and intelligent positioning allow him to influence matches from various positions. Foden’s form in recent weeks has been exceptional.
Current Standings Analysis
Arsenal leads the Premier League with 39 points from 17 matches. Manchester City sits second with 37 points, while Aston Villa occupies third with 36 points.
The title race remains tight, with City needing consistent results to maintain pressure.
Nottingham Forest’s 17th position with 18 points places them just above the relegation zone.
West Ham United (13 points), Burnley (11 points), and Wolverhampton Wanderers (2 points) occupy the bottom three positions. Forest needs victories to create breathing room.
Match Prediction
Manchester City’s current form and quality suggest they should secure victory. Their seven-match winning streak demonstrates momentum and confidence.
The team’s defensive solidity combined with attacking firepower creates a formidable package.
However, Nottingham Forest’s home record and previous success against City warrant respect.
The City Ground atmosphere and Forest’s determination could create difficulties for the visitors.
Predicted Score: Nottingham Forest 1-3 Manchester City
City’s superior quality and form should prove decisive, though Forest may find consolation through their home advantage and fighting spirit.
Guardiola’s men will likely control possession and create numerous chances, eventually breaking down Forest’s resistance to maintain their title challenge.
Read all Football Predictions.
FAQs
Where To Watch Nottingham Forest vs Manchester City Live?
Fans can watch Nottingham Forest vs Manchester City live on TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports Ultimate in the UK, Star Sports Select HD1 and JioHotstar in India, DAZN Canada in Canada, and USA Network with NBC Sports App in the United States, with over 100 countries offering broadcast coverage through various sports networks.
Who Will Win Nottingham Forest vs Manchester City Match?
Manchester City will likely win the match against Nottingham Forest because the Citizens have won seven consecutive matches across all competitions, kept clean sheets in their last three Premier League games, and need victory to move top of the table despite Forest’s 1-0 home win over City in March 2025.
What is Nottingham Forest vs Manchester City Match Kick-Off Time?
The Nottingham Forest vs Manchester City Premier League match kicks off on Saturday, December 28, 2025, in the early game slot at 12:30 PM GMT at the City Ground in Nottingham, allowing City to potentially move top before Arsenal plays Brighton at 3:00 PM.
Are There Any Injuries in Nottingham Forest vs Manchester City Match?
Both teams face significant injury problems, with Nottingham Forest missing striker Chris Wood (knee injury) and losing Ibrahim Sangare and Willy Boly to AFCON duty, while Manchester City cannot field Jeremy Doku, John Stones, Oscar Bobb, and Mateo Kovacic (three-month absence), plus Rayan Ait-Nouri and Omar Marmoush are at AFCON.
What Is The Correct Score Prediction For Nottingham Forest vs Manchester City Match?
The predicted score for Nottingham Forest vs Manchester City is 1-3 in favor of Manchester City, as the visitors have won their last five Premier League matches by 3-0 scorelines and scored 41 goals in 17 games this season, while Forest has conceded 26 goals and sits 17th with just 18 points.
Manchester City Standing with Points?
Manchester City sits in 2nd position in the Premier League table with 37 points from 17 matches, trailing leaders Arsenal by two points with a record of 12 wins, 1 draw, and 4 losses, plus a superior goal difference of +25 from 41 goals scored and 16 conceded.
Nottingham Forest Standing With Points?
Nottingham Forest occupies 17th position in the Premier League with 18 points from 17 matches, sitting just one place above the relegation zone with 5 wins, 3 draws, and 9 losses, having scored 17 goals and conceded 26 for a goal difference of -9.