Despite being near the bottom, Nottingham Forest face a tough test against a City side that hasn't lost in their last 30 matches across all competitions.
Forest's form has been patchy, with just one win in their last 10 games. That victory came against Fulham on April 2, and they've managed just one point from their last three matches against Tottenham Hotspur, Wolverhampton Wanderers, and Everton.
After their 2-0 loss to Everton, Forest took to social media with an odd statement questioning the VAR official's integrity, pointing to three penalty calls that didn't go their way. They're also waiting to hear about their appeal against a four-point penalty for breaking the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability rules.
Despite all this, Forest will aim to keep their unbeaten streak at the City Ground going, having lost only seven of 17 home matches this season. It's a big ask to take on Manchester City, but Forest will look to dig deep and get a result to help their fight against relegation.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
Erling Haaland has missed Manchester City's last two games with a minor muscle issue, and it's doubtful he'll return to the starting lineup for their upcoming match against Nottingham Forest.Pep Guardiola rested five key players toward the end of City's win over Brighton, but given Haaland's uncertain status, the coach might adjust his lineup. John Stones, Ruben Dias, Jack Grealish, and Jeremy Doku are all likely candidates for recalls, filling central defense and the left flank.
On the other side, Nottingham Forest will likely still be without Taiwo Awoniyi due to a thigh injury. At best, he might make it to the bench. Willy Boly is also out, but coach Nuno might bring Anthony Elanga back into the starting eleven in place of Giovanni Reyna.
Moussa Niakhate made his first appearance in two months in Forest's last game, and he's hoping to keep his spot in central defense. With both teams dealing with injury uncertainties, Guardiola and Nuno might have to rethink their tactics for this match.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Nottingham Forest possible starting lineup:Sels; Williams, Niakhate, Murillo, Aina; Dominguez, Danilo; Elanga, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi; Wood
Manchester City possible starting lineup:
Ederson; Walker, Stones, Dias, Gvardiol; Rodri; Silva, De Bruyne, Kovacic, Foden; Alvarez
EXPERT PREDICTION
Nottingham Forest 1-3 Manchester City
Forest might be well-rested and looking to bounce back from their loss to Everton, but City will be stepping into a fired-up City Ground. Even so, City has the quality and experience to handle the pressure and should come away with a convincing win, much like they did against Brighton.
