Nottingham Forest vs Manchester City prediction, H2H and probable line-ups - 27 December 2025
One of the fixtures of Premier League Matchweek 18 will take place on Saturday at the City Ground, where Nottingham Forest host Manchester City. Let's take a closer look at the betting prospects for this clash, where the favourite appears crystal clear.
Match preview
Nottingham Forest continue their survival battle and are gradually pulling away from the relegation zone, but consistency still eludes them. In the previous round, Sean Dyche’s side lost to Fulham (0-1), conceding from the penalty spot and creating virtually nothing up front. Still, Forest are capable of producing a dazzling performance at home, as shown by their emphatic 3-0 victory over Tottenham.
The hosts’ main issue remains poor attacking output — just 17 goals all season. Squad problems only add to their woes: injuries and players away at the Africa Cup of Nations limit options in defence and midfield. Against opposition of this calibre, even the backing of the home crowd might not be enough.
Manchester City arrive in superb form and are picking up a championship head of steam. Pep Guardiola’s men have won five consecutive Premier League matches, scoring at least three goals in each, with their 3-0 win over West Ham marking a third straight victory by that scoreline. The Citizens trail leaders Arsenal by only two points and are determined not to drop pace.
Despite several absentees through injury and international duty, City’s squad depth allows them to dominate sides from the bottom half of the table. Even on the road, the Mancunians rarely surrender control of the game, and the presence of Haaland, Foden and Bernardo Silva makes their attack lethal for any defence.
Probable line-ups
- Nottingham Forest: John Victor, Savona, Murillo, Milenković, Neco Williams, Douglas Luiz, Elliot Anderson, Gibbs-White, Hutchinson, Hudson-Odoi, Igor Jesus
- Manchester City: Donnarumma, Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, O’Riley, Nico González, Bernardo Silva, Reijnders, Cherki, Foden, Haaland
Match facts and head-to-head
- Manchester City have scored three or more goals in seven of their last eight Premier League matches.
- Nottingham Forest have failed to win in 12 of their previous 16 league games.
- In the last six Premier League meetings between these sides, City have won four — most of them with clean sheets.
Prediction
Nottingham Forest can put up a fight thanks to their work rate and home support, but the gulf in quality and current form is simply too great. Manchester City routinely dispatch teams from the lower half of the table and cannot afford a slip-up in the title race. The optimal pick: away win at odds of around 1.65.
