Man City vs Nottingham Forest: Predicted Lineup & Match Preview

Can Guardiola’s Side Secure a Vital Win?

Manchester City head to the City Ground on Saturday knowing that a victory will see them leapfrog Nottingham Forest in the Premier League table. With just 14 games left in what has been a disappointing 2024/25 campaign, Pep Guardiola’s side still have plenty to fight for.

While their hopes of winning a fifth consecutive league title are over and their Champions League run has ended prematurely, City remain in the FA Cup and are battling for a top-four finish. With key injuries affecting the squad, Guardiola will need to be tactically sharp to break down a well-organized Nottingham Forest side.

Man City’s Predicted Lineup vs Nottingham Forest (4-2-3-1)

Goalkeeper & Defense

🧤 GK: Ederson – The Brazilian is back as City’s undisputed No.1 and will look to command his box against Forest’s aerial threats.

🛡️ RB: Matheus Nunes – Guardiola used Nunes as a makeshift right-back against Spurs, and with limited options available, the Portuguese international could retain his spot.

🛡️ CB: Abdukodir Khusanov – The January signing has bounced back from a rough debut and is now a regular starter. His pace will be crucial in dealing with Forest’s counter-attacks.

🛡️ CB: Ruben Dias – With Ake, Stones, and Akanji all injured, the experienced Dias will be tasked with leading City’s defensive line.

🛡️ LB: Josko Gvardiol – The Croatian international remains the first-choice left-back and will be key in both defensive solidity and progressing the ball forward.

Midfield

⚽ CM: Nico Gonzalez – The youngster has made an impressive start at City, but he’ll need to be at his best against a quick and aggressive Nottingham Forest midfield.

⚽ CM: Mateo Kovacic – Rested against Plymouth, Kovacic should return to provide stability and creativity in midfield.

Attack

🔥 RW: Savinho – The Brazilian winger is still adapting to Guardiola’s system, but his dribbling ability and directness make him an exciting option in attack.

🔥 AM: Omar Marmoush – A January arrival, Marmoush has quickly become an important piece of City’s attack, using his agility and close control to unlock defenses.

🔥 LW: Jeremy Doku – Doku was outstanding against Spurs, embarrassing Trent Alexander-Arnold in that game. He will be City’s primary creative outlet on Saturday.

⚽ ST: Erling Haaland – The Norwegian goal machine will have to work hard against Forest’s physical defenders, but with Savinho, Doku, and Marmoush supporting him, expect plenty of chances.

Match Prediction & Fan Interaction

Can Haaland find the net against a stubborn Forest defense? Will City’s injury issues cause problems in a must-win match? Drop your predictions in the comments!