Nottingham vs Manchester City Preview, prediction, lineups, betting tips & odds | Premier League 2025-26

Manchester City go into this game with 37 points, while Nottingham Forest are fighting a relegation battle with 18 points

The City Ground is getting ready for a massive winter showdown this Saturday, December 27. Manchester City come into this one flying. They have won five Premier League games in a row. They have been on a tear, brushing teams aside while keeping three straight clean sheets.

On top of that, Pep Guardiola has laid down the law on fitness. He made it clear that he will leave any player in Manchester if they come back from Christmas with any extra weight.

Fun in the gym 🏋️ pic.twitter.com/ldsuqaduVU

— Manchester City (@ManCity) December 21, 2025

Erling Haaland is leading the line again. The striker already bagged 19 goals this season. On the other side, Nottingham Forest want to mess with the champions’ flow. They are playing under Sean Dyche, who’s been in charge since October.

The hosts have to patch together a thin squad, though. They are missing big names like Chris Wood and Ryan Yates to injury, plus Willy Boly and Ibrahima Sangaré, who are away at the Africa Cup of Nations.

CHO against Manchester City. 💫 pic.twitter.com/hUU0hZ2DQ0

— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) December 24, 2025

Morgan Gibbs-White is the man Forest are counting on to create something. With Arsenal only two points ahead in the title race, City can’t afford to trip up in Nottingham. But Dyche’s gritty side will definitely try to make life difficult for the favourites.

Kick-off:

• Location: Nottingham, England
• Stadium: City Ground
• Date: Saturday, December 27
• Kick-off Time: 6 PM IST
• Referee: Robert Jones
• VAR: In use

Form:

Nottingham Forest (all competitions): L-W-W-L-W

Manchester City (all competitions): W-W-W-W-W

Players to watch:

Morgan Gibbs-White (Nottingham Forest):

Gibbs-White is the creative engine for the home side, especially with other options out injured. The midfielder has three goals and an assist in 17 games. It shows just how much they rely on him. Dyche needs him to find those little pockets of space. If Forest are going to pull off an upset, their playmaker needs to be on the ball and making things happen.

Erling Haaland (Manchester City):

Haaland is the focal point of everything City do. He has been a nightmare for defenders all season. The Norwegian has 19 goals and four assists in just 17 league starts. The striker gives Guardiola the clinical finish he expects. City will need his spark to break through a stubborn Forest defence. If the home side loses, he will likely be the reason why.

Match Facts:

• Nottingham Forest shocked City in this game last year, grinding out a famous 1-0 win thanks to a goal from Callum Hudson-Odoi. That result briefly knocked the champions’ title bid off track.
• Guardiola’s side arrives at the City Ground on the back of seven straight wins in all competitions.
• Haaland has already hit 19 Premier League goals this season. It’s an incredible stat that matches the all-time record for the most goals scored before Christmas.

Nottingham Forest vs Manchester City Betting Tips and Odds:

• Manchester City to Win & Over 2.5 Goals: 6/5 as per Bet365.
• Erling Haaland to Score 2+ Goals: 11/4 as per SkyBet.
• Phil Foden to Provide 1+ Assist: 4/1 as per Betway.

Injuries and Team News:

Both teams are dealing with some serious selection issues heading into this game, according to the latest reports.

Forest have to cope without several starters because of international duty and injuries. Willy Boly and Ibrahima Sangaré are both away. So, they are out of the mix for this one.

The treatment room is still packed, too. Ryan Yates and Ola Aina continue their rehabilitation from hamstring problems. The staff doesn’t expect them back until early January 2026. Making things harder for Dyche, striker Chris Wood is also out with a knee injury and is aiming for a New Year return.

Manchester City aren’t at full strength either. So, Pep will have to shuffle his lineup. Omar Marmoush and Rayan Ait Nouri are both missing due to international games.

Injuries have thinned out the visitors’ bench as well. Mateo Kovacic is sidelined with an ankle issue, while Jérémy Doku and Oscar Bobb nurse leg and muscle injuries. All three should be back in early January 2026.

To make matters more uncertain, Rodri is in doubt because of his fitness levels. John Stones faces a late fitness test for a muscle problem.

Also Read: Liverpool vs Wolves Preview, prediction, lineups, betting tips & odds

Head-To-Head stats:

• Total Competitive Meetings: 107
• Manchester City Wins: 45
• Nottingham Forest Wins: 34
• Draws: 28

Predicted Starting Lineups:

Nottingham Forest Predicted Starting Lineup (4-2-3-1):

Sels; Savona, Milenković, Murillo, Williams; Luiz, Anderson; Ndoye, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odio; Jesus

Manchester City Predicted Starting Lineup (4-2-3-1):

Donnarumma; Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, O’Reilly; Reijnders, Gonzalez; Cherki, Bernardo Silva, Foden; Haaland

Match Prediction:

Manchester City are the favourite to pick up a solid win this weekend. They have too much firepower for a Forest side that’s missing so many key players, especially given the home team’s recent struggles at the back. Because of that, City should be able to control the game and see it out fairly comfortably.

Prediction: Nottingham Forest 0-3 Manchester City

Telecast Details

India: JioHotstar, Star Sports Network

UK: TNT Sports and Sky Sports

USA: NBC Sports

Nigeria: SuperSport

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