The Premier League title race intensifies this Saturday when Manchester City visits the City Ground, hoping to pass leaders Arsenal.
Manchester City is in strong form, having won their last seven matches across all competitions. A win against Nottingham Forest would temporarily put them at the top of the table before Arsenal’s game later in the day. However, Forest has made the City Ground a tough venue under Sean Dyche.
The home team has secured four wins in their last six home matches and will find motivation in history, having won this match 1-0 last season. They aim to beat City in consecutive league games for the first time since 1995.
Nottingham Forest vs Manchester City – Match Preview and Team News
- Date: Saturday, 27 December 2025
- Kick-off: 12:30 pm GMT
- Venue: The City Ground, Nottingham
- Referee: Robert Jones
- VAR: Andy Madley
- Last Meeting: Nottingham Forest 0-2 Manchester City, 27 April 2025, FA Cup
Team News
Nottingham Forest
Sean Dyche has a mix of updates on his squad. Key forward Chris Wood is out with a knee injury. Ola Aina has returned to training but isn’t match-fit. The team is also affected by the Africa Cup of Nations, with Ibrahim Sangaré and Willy Boly unavailable. On a positive note, Nicolas Domínguez, goalkeeper Matz Sels, and Taiwo Awoniyi are back in the squad, but John Victor is expected to start in goal.
Manchester City
Pep Guardiola is unsure about Rodri’s fitness. The midfielder has been sidelined with a hamstring injury since November, but Guardiola noted he is “much, much better,” and a late decision will be made. Jérémy Doku is doubtful and likely out until January, joining John Stones, Oscar Bobb, and Mateo Kovačić on the sidelines. Rayan Aït-Nouri and Omar Marmoush are also unavailable due to AFCON commitments.
Form
Nottingham Forest
Forest is working on their consistency. They recently achieved a surprising 3-0 win against Tottenham, but then lost 1-0 to Fulham. Dyche has struggled against Guardiola, remaining winless in all 16 Premier League matches against him. However, Forest historically performs well during the festive period, winning their last four Premier League matches between Christmas and New Year.
Manchester City
City is aiming to make history, having won their last three Premier League matches by 3-0. If they achieve another 3-0 win, they will be the first team in English top-flight history to do so in four consecutive matches. Erling Haaland is in excellent form, scoring 19 goals in 17 league games this season.
Predicted Lineups
Nottingham Forest predicted XI: John Victor; Williams, Murillo, Milenković, Savona; Douglas Luiz, Anderson; Hudson-Odoi, Gibbs-White, Hutchinson; Igor Jesus
Manchester City predicted XI: Donnarumma; O’Reilly, Gvardiol, Dias, Nunes; Reijnders, Nico, Silva; Foden, Cherki; Haaland
How to watch Nottingham Forest vs Manchester City?
The match will be broadcast live in the UK on TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports Ultimate, with coverage beginning at 11:30 am GMT.
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