Man City vs Nottingham Forest: Lineups, Team News and Prediction

On Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at 7:30 PM GMT, second-placed Manchester City will host 17th-placed Nottingham Forest at the Etihad Stadium in a Premier League clash that sees the champions pushing for the top spot and the visitors battling to steer clear of the relegation zone.

Man City vs Nottingham Forest Form

The Citizens enter this fixture in formidable form, having secured a 1-0 victory away at Leeds in their last Premier League outing. This win extends their impressive run, with the reigning champions having won their last four matches in the Premier League. Their recent home form is particularly strong, as they rank second in the league for points collected from their last six home games, having won four and drawn two. Overall, City boast the best form in the league over the last six matches, with five wins and one draw.

Nottingham Forest, conversely, are struggling for consistency. Their last league match saw them fall to a 2-1 defeat against Brighton. The Tricky Trees have failed to win any of their last five matches in the Premier League, placing them 15th in the overall form table for the last six games, with just one win, two draws, and three losses. This poor run of form highlights their vulnerability as they prepare to face one of the league's titans.

Man City vs Nottingham Forest Head to Head

The last encounter between these two sides saw Nottingham Forest surprisingly claim a 2-1 victory over Manchester City in the Premier League back in December 2025. However, this result is somewhat an anomaly in their recent history.

Looking at their last six meetings across all competitions, Manchester City have largely dominated, winning five of these encounters. The December loss was their only defeat against Forest in this period. Notably, City have kept a clean sheet in five of their last six home matches against Nottingham Forest in all competitions, and they have been winning at both half-time and full-time in their last three home matches against them. Furthermore, Manchester City have scored at least two goals in five of their last six matches against Nottingham Forest.

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Man City vs. Nottingham Forest Odds

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Man City vs Nottingham Forest Probable Lineups

**Man City (4-2-3-1):**

• **Goalkeeper:** Donnarumma
• **Defenders:** Aït-Nouri (DL), Guéhi (DC), Dias (DC), Nunes (DR)
• **Midfielders:** Rodri (DM), González (DM), Marmoush (AML), Silva (AMC), Semenyo (AMR)
• **Forward:** Haaland (FC)

**Nottingham Forest (4-2-3-1):**

• **Goalkeeper:** Sels
• **Defenders:** Williams (DL), Milenkovic (DC), Murillo (DC), Aina (DR)
• **Midfielders:** Sangaré (DM), Anderson (DM), Hutchinson (AML), Gibbs-White (AMC), Hudson-Odoi (AMR)
• **Forward:** Jesus (FC)

Man City vs Nottingham Forest Team News

Manchester City have a few concerns, with defender Gvardiol and midfielder Kovacic both out injured. Midfielder O'Reilly is also doubtful after picking up an ankle injury. The biggest question mark hangs over striker Haaland, who missed the win at Leeds with a knee problem but could make a return. If he isn't passed fit, Marmoush is expected to lead the line. Doku returned from injury last weekend and will be pushing for a start.

Nottingham Forest are without Wood, Victor, and Savona due to injury. Goalkeeper Ortega is nursing a knee problem that forced him to miss their last game, with Sels likely to retain his place between the sticks. No other long-term absentees are expected to return for this fixture, leaving Forest with a somewhat depleted squad.

Man City vs Nottingham Forest Match Facts

• Man City have won their last 4 matches in Premier League.
• Man City have kept a clean sheet in 5 of their last 6 home matches against Nottingham Forest in all competitions.
• Man City have been winning at both half time and full time in their last 3 matches in Premier League.
• Man City have been winning at both half time and full time in their last 3 home matches against Nottingham Forest in all competitions.
• Man City have won 5 of their last 6 matches against Nottingham Forest in all competitions.
• Man City have scored at least 2 goals in 5 of their last 6 matches against Nottingham Forest in all competitions.
• Nottingham Forest have failed to win their last 5 matches in Premier League.

Prediction: Man City 3-0 Nottingham Forest

Manchester City are in relentless pursuit of the Premier League title, and their current form, coupled with their dominant home record, makes them overwhelming favourites. The Citizens possess numerous strengths, including their ability to finish scoring chances, execute devastating counter-attacks, and exploit the wings. They also excel at creating chances through individual skill and through balls, alongside their renowned possession-based football. Their defensive solidity at set pieces is another key asset. While they have shown minor weaknesses in protecting leads and stopping opponents from creating chances, these are unlikely to be heavily exploited by a struggling Forest side.

Nottingham Forest, on the other hand, face an uphill battle. Their strengths lie in attacking down the wings and protecting a lead, but these are overshadowed by significant weaknesses. Forest struggle with finishing scoring chances, defending against long shots, counter-attacks, and set pieces, and are prone to individual errors. These defensive frailties will be severely tested by City's potent attack. The forecast suggests City will capitalise on fast breaks and opposition errors, which aligns perfectly with Forest's identified vulnerabilities. Given City's exceptional home record against Forest, where they have often been winning at both half-time and full-time, a comfortable victory for the hosts seems highly probable.

Best Bet: Man City to Win to Nil Click here to get the best odds at Caesars Sportsbook

Considering Manchester City's strong defensive record at home against Nottingham Forest, keeping clean sheets in five of their last six encounters, and Forest's noted weakness in finishing scoring chances, betting on City to win without conceding appears to be a valuable angle. This is further supported by the fact that City have been winning at half-time and full-time in recent home meetings, indicating early dominance.

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