The Matchday 28 Premier League clash between Nottingham Forest and Manchester City will take place on March 8 at the City Ground. Nottingham Forest vs. Manchester City: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Nottingham Forest
For the second time this season, Nottingham failed to win in three consecutive Premier League matches. The team had unsuccessful away trips, losing to Fulham (1-2) and Newcastle (3-4), and in the last round, they drew at home with Arsenal (0-0). Notably, this was the club's first goalless draw in the current Premier League season. Nuno Espírito Santo's side remains in third position, but now only one point separates them from Manchester City, and two from Chelsea.
- At least three goals have been scored in 5 of Nottingham Forest's last 6 Premier League matches.
- The club has opened the scoring in 8 of their last 10 home league matches.
- Nottingham has not conceded in the first half in their last 11 home Premier League games.
Predicted lineup for Nottingham Forest (4-2-3-1)
Matz Sels – Ola Aina, Murillo, Nikola Milenkovic, Neco Williams – Elliot Anderson, Nicolas Dominguez – Anthony Elanga, Morgan Gibbs-White, Callum Hudson-Odoi – Chris Wood.
Manchester City
The Citizens played four league matches in February, securing two wins and suffering two defeats. The team lost to Arsenal (1-5) and Liverpool (0-2), while defeating Newcastle (4-0) and Tottenham (1-0). The club remains in fourth place in the standings and, with a win in the upcoming match, could climb to third. It's also worth noting that the team has scored 53 goals, now trailing only Liverpool in terms of goals scored.
- At least four goals have been scored in 6 of Manchester City's last 8 Premier League games.
- The Mancunians have not lost in 8 of their last 10 league matches (6 wins and 2 draws).
- The Citizens have conceded in 10 of their last 13 away Premier League matches.
Predicted lineup for Manchester City (4-2-3-1)
Ederson – Mateus Nunes, Josko Gvardiol, Abdukodir Khusanov, Ruben Dias – Mateo Kovacic, Nico Gonzalez – Savio, Jeremy Doku, Omar Marmoush – Erling Haaland.
Midfielder Rodri Hernandez, forward Oscar Bobb, and defenders John Stones and Manuel Akanji are out due to injuries.
Referee
Chris Kavanagh (England)
Matches – 17 (Premier League, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 87;
Average yellow cards per match – 5.1;
Red cards shown – 4;
Average fouls per match – 22;
Penalties – 18%.
Nottingham Forest vs. Manchester City: Match Prediction
In the upcoming match, I favor the visitors. Despite the challenges Pep Guardiola faced towards the middle of the season, his team is gradually emerging from a psychological slump. While the team lacks consistency, they have only lost to two Premier League leaders in the last 10 rounds. Additionally, the Citizens have been eliminated from the Champions League, allowing them to focus entirely on domestic competition.
The crisis at the Mancunian club began in early November. The team lost four consecutive Premier League matches, and their fall in the standings was halted only by a resounding victory over Nottingham (3-0). Even in a less-than-ideal state, the Citizens managed to handle Nuno Espírito Santo's side. I believe Manchester City will win this match as well, especially since Nottingham Forest is starting to encounter problems in the league, having failed to win in three consecutive matches.
My prediction – Manchester City to win