Verdict: Chris Wood over 0.5 shots on target
Best Odds: 7/10
Bookmaker: Luckster
Two camps who are battling it out in the Champions League chase, Nottingham Forest and Manchester City will meet on Saturday lunchtime.
Nottingham Forest
Starting with the hosts, while Nottingham Forest might have only just clung to their Premier League status last season, Nuno Espírito Santo has seen his squad underline their status as one of Europe’s ultimate surprise packages this time around. Breaking a string of records and continuing to receive a host of plaudits, Forest open Saturday’s showdown sat in bronze medal position. However, although the former Tottenham boss might be dreaming of an iconic Champions League ticket in 2025, it is fair to say that Santo’s men are seeking some recent stability. Despite edging past Ipswich earlier in the week as they extended on their FA Cup adventure thanks to a nail-biting penalties victory on home soil, Forest have recorded just a sole win from any of their last seven appearances across all competitions within 90 minutes. Nevertheless, despite their recent issues on the road, the Champions League dreams have not suffered a single defeat at the City Ground since returning from November’s International break.
Nottingham Forest Team News
Heading into Saturday’s showdown, Nottingham Forest have reported a clean bill of health and have no fresh injury concerns to worry about. Handed an FA Cup rest on Monday night, attacking talisman Chris Wood will be awarded a full recall this weekend and spearhead Santo’s charge.
Making what has been an immediate impact since arriving from Fiorentina last summer, Serbian international Nikola Milenkovic will partner Murillo at the back. Nicolas Dominguez should make an immediate return on Saturday lunchtime and join ex-Newcastle star Elliot Anderson in the middle of the park.
Manchester City
As for the visitors, while Manchester City might have avoided an infamous FA Cup exit last weekend as they secured a 3-1 victory against Championship strugglers Plymouth, Pep Guardiola’s side have endured a public crisis this season. Coming under a huge amount of scrutiny, the defending champions know that the best they can do is secure an essential top-four finish come May. Watching their Champions League adventure come to a thumping end last month as they fell to a 6-3 aggregate defeat against Real Madrid, the former Barcelona boss has a major headache on his hands. However, despite facing what will certainly be a stern examination here, Man City should be excited by a dominant record against Saturday’s hosts. Landing a 3-0 victory when they welcomed Forest to the Etihad for their reverse Premier League meeting on December 4th, Guardiola’s men have won each of their last three contests by an aggregate score of 7-0.
Manchester City Team News
Suffering an abductor injury last month, former Borussia Dortmund defender Manuel Akanji is not expected to feature over the next couple of months. Likewise, while reigning Ballon d’Or winner Rodri might hope to play some part before the end of the season, the 28-year-old remains on the sidelines with a long-term knee injury.
Notching 20 goals in his 26 Premier League appearances this season, the record-breaking Erling Haaland will lead Guardiola’s attack. Handed a full FA Cup rest against Plymouth last weekend, January recruit Omar Marmoush should be handed a full recall on Saturday lunchtime.
Nottingham Forest vs Manchester City Key Factors to Consider
- When Nottingham Forest and Manchester City met for their reverse Premier League meeting on December 4th, Guardiola’s side collected a 3-0 victory at the Etihad.
- In fact, the Sky Blues have won each of their previous three meetings against Saturday’s hosts by an aggregate score of 7-0.
- Despite their recent inconstancies, Nottingham Forest have not suffered a single defeat the City Ground since returning from November’s international break.
- Man City have recorded just two wins from any of their last six matchups away from the Etihad across all competitions.
- 13 of City’s last 15 appearances across all fronts have finished with over 2.5 goals.
Conclusion
While Manchester City might have secured a thumping 3-0 victory when they welcomed Forest to the Etihad back on December 4th, Guardiola’s side look set for a far more challenging task here. Although Saturday’s hosts might be seeking their own recent stability, the Champions League dreams have gained a fearsome reputation for their success on home soil. Not suffering a single defeat at the City Ground since returning from November’s international break, Forest will be desperate to lay down what could be a season-defining marker this weekend.
Verdict: Chris Wood over 0.5 shots on target
Best Odds: 7/10
Bookmaker: Luckster
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