The Premier League title race heats up in the early kick-off on Saturday, as Manchester City travel to the City Ground looking to leapfrog leaders Arsenal.
Pep Guardiola’s side are in ominous form. They have won their last seven matches in all competitions. A victory against Nottingham Forest would see them momentarily take top spot before the Gunners play later in the day. However, they face a Forest side that has turned the City Ground into a fortress of sorts under Sean Dyche.
The hosts have won four of their last six home games. Furthermore, they will draw confidence from history; they won this exact fixture 1-0 last season and are looking to win back-to-back league games against the Citizens 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 mixed bag of news regarding his squad. Key striker Chris Wood remains out with a knee injury. Additionally, Ola Aina is back in training but lacks match fitness. The hosts are also impacted by the Africa Cup of Nations, with Ibrahim Sangaré and Willy Boly away on international duty. However, Nicolas Domínguez, goalkeeper Matz Sels, and Taiwo Awoniyi have returned to the squad. Despite Sels’ return, John Victor is tipped to start in goal.
Manchester City
Pep Guardiola is sweating on the fitness of Rodri. The midfielder has been out since November with a hamstring injury, but the manager stated he is “much, much better” and a late decision will be made. Jérémy Doku is a major doubt and likely out until January. He joins John Stones, Oscar Bobb, and Mateo Kovačić on the sidelines. Additionally, Rayan Aït-Nouri and Omar Marmoush are unavailable due to AFCON commitments.
Form
Nottingham Forest
Forest are fighting for consistency. While they stunned Tottenham 3-0 recently, they followed it up with a lackluster 1-0 loss to Fulham. Sean Dyche faces a personal bogeyman in Guardiola; he is winless in all 16 of his Premier League meetings against the City boss. However, Forest have a knack for festive cheer, having won their last four Premier League games played between Christmas and New Year.
Manchester City
City are chasing history. They have won their last three Premier League games by a 3-0 scoreline. If they win by 3+ goals to nil again, they will become the first team in English top-flight history to do so in four consecutive matches. Erling Haaland is in terrifying form, with 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. Coverage starts at 11:30 am GMT.
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