Manchester City FC vs Nottingham Forest FC, English Premier League 2024-25, Today Match Prediction

Manchester City FC vs Nottingham Forest FC Match Prediction & Analysis

The reigning champions are in uncharted waters, winless in their last seven matches across all competitions. As they face Nottingham Forest at the Etihad on Thursday, December 5th, at 1:00 a.m. IST, all eyes will be on the Citizens to break their slump and reignite their title defence. It’s going to be a tough one! Nottingham Forest have already shown their mettle, pulling off a 1-0 win at Anfield against Liverpool. They’re no pushovers, which means we’re in for a thrilling battle.

Current Standings: With 23 points (7 wins, 2 draws & 4 losses), Manchester City is currently placed 5th in the league standings, while Nottingham is placed sixth with 22 points (6 wins, 4 draws, and 3 defeats). 

Head-to-Head Record: In 10 matches that have been played between the teams, City holds a 4-2 win-loss record.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Manchester City FC Preview

Manchester City’s struggles continue, with their last win dating back to October 26 against Southampton. Seven games without a victory have left Pep Guardiola’s side far from chasing a seventh Premier League title—instead, they’re desperate just for points. Currently 11 points adrift of league leaders Liverpool, City face an uphill battle to reclaim their position at the top. Only three teams in Premier League history have overturned such a deficit to win the title. Can Guardiola’s men defy the odds?

The city’s struggles this season can be traced to their lack of firepower in front of goal. In the game against Liverpool, they finished with an xG of 0.84, with their first shot attempt coming in the 39th minute of the game. With just three goals in their last five league games and back-to-back goalless outings, their attacking woes are evident. Now, they face a formidable challenge against a team boasting the league’s second-best defensive record, conceding only 13 goals with an xGA of 13.18.

Over dependence on Haaland

Yes, Haaland is one of the best strikers in Europe, and it's obvious that he will be at the top of most goal-scoring charts. And Haaland is tearing up the scoring charts again with 12 goals, but here's the twist: Man City's second-highest scorer is Josko Gvardiol with three goals! Meanwhile, Phil Foden, who stepped up brilliantly last season with 19 goals in KDB's absence, is yet to find the net this campaign. 

Injury Report - Doku's return from injury last Sunday against Liverpool brought City’s attack back to life as he impressed off the bench. He’s now primed to start in the upcoming game.

Manchester City Probable XI - Ederson; Lewis, Dias, Akanji, Gvardiol; B. Silva, Gundogan; Savinho, Grealish, Doku; Haaland

Nottingham Forest FC Preview

Nuno Santo’s side faces a golden opportunity on Wednesday as they take on a struggling Manchester City. With 22 points on the board, a victory could propel them past Brighton into the top four, signalling their intent to challenge the league’s best. 

With just 13 goals conceded and an impressive xGA of 13.18—the league’s second-best—Nuno Santo’s defence has been a fortress this season. However, six goals leaked in the last two games hint at cracks in their armor. The real question is: Can a faltering Manchester City capitalise on this rare vulnerability?

Nottingham Forest has been a force on the road this season, amassing 11 points from six away games (3 wins, 2 draws, 1 loss)—a record only outshone by Chelsea and Liverpool. Among their standout results is a stunning victory at Anfield, proving they can thrive in hostile territory. 

Key player 

At 32, New Zealand veteran Chris Wood is having a season to remember. With 9 goals in 13 games, he’s right in the mix for the Golden Boot, trailing Haaland by just 3. But it’s not just about the league—Wood is on the verge of making history. A goal on Wednesday against Manchester City would see him surpass Bryan Roy’s 24 goals, becoming Tricky Trees’ all-time top scorer. With City’s defence leaking 9 goals in their last three matches, the historic moment may as well happen at Etihad. 

Team News  - Hota Silva made a strong case for a starting spot with his impressive performance against Ipswich, potentially earning him another start. However, Neco Williams, who featured in the XI, may have to make way for the return of regular left-back Alex Moreno. 

Nottingham Probable XI - Sels; Aina, Milenkovic, Murillo, Moreno; Yates, Dominguez; J. Silva, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi; Wood

MANCHESTER CITY FC vs NOTTINGHAM FOREST FC
Winning Prediction

It's certainly going to be a happening match. Manchester City will be eager to end their slump and grab a win, while Nottingham Forest will be hoping to capitalise on any mistakes City makes. That means a draw is unlikely. 

If the game were played under normal circumstances, one would assume City to enter this contest as favourites. City are unbeaten in their last eight games against the Forest while beating them by an aggregate tally of 12 goals in the last four home games. Manchester City are overwhelming favourites to win the match, with odds of 1.33 against Forest’s 9.50 and odds of 5 for a draw. Meanwhile, an xG of 3 can be expected for this match.

Man City to Win (2-1)

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