Manchester City will aim to put the pressure back on Premier League leaders Arsenal when they host Nottingham Forest at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night. Indeed, the Cityzens won 1-0 at Leeds United last weekend to close the gap to the Gunners to just two points, but Arsenal responded with a 2-1 home win against Chelsea to increase the gap back to five.
Forest meanwhile have a different fight on their hands as they continue to battle relegation, after a 2-1 defeat at Brighton & Hove Albion. The Tricky Trees will be hoping to cause the ultimate shock here, however unlikely it may seem.
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Manchester City vs Nottingham Forest prediction: Cityzens to put more pressure on Arsenal?
Key stats
- City are on a six-game winning streak in all competitions.
- Forest have lost three in a row across all competitions.
- City have won four of the last five league H2Hs.
Correct score prediction: Manchester City 3-0 Nottingham Forest
With City on a roll and Forest struggling, this should be a comfortable home win. It may just be what the margin of victory will be for the hosts, and we are going for a three-goal one.
Pre-game odds and win probability: City clear favourites with bookmakers
- HOME: 2/5 (1.40) – 71.4%
- DRAW: 17/4 (5.25) – 19.0%
- AWAY: 6/1 (7.00) – 14.3%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
As shown by the implied probabilities, City are heavy favourites with bookmakers to claim another important three points. A draw can still be backed at 19%, while a Forest victory is deemed highly unlikely at just over 14%.
Also, feel free to check out our dedicated Today’s betting tips page, as well as our Premier League predictions & betting tips page.
Most recent H2Hs: City aiming for three in a row
As mentioned before, City have won four of last five H2Hs, including each of the last two. They seemingly hold a psychological advantage over Forest heading into this clash.
England Premier League 27/12/25
Nottm Forest
Man City
England FA Cup 27/04/25
Nottm Forest
Man City
England Premier League 08/03/25
Nottm Forest
Man City
England Premier League 04/12/24
Man City
Nottm Forest
England Premier League 28/04/24
Nottm Forest
Man City
Manchester City preview: Haaland still doubtful
Erling Haaland remains doubtful for City with an injury he picked up before the Leeds game. Nico O'Reilly could also miss out.
Predicted lineup: Donnarumma (GK); Nunes, Dias, Guehi, Ait-Nouri; Rodri, Silva, Reijnders; Semenyo, Cherki & Marmoush
Last five results:
- 28/02/26: Leeds United 0-1 Manchester City (Premier League)
- 21/02/26: Manchester City 2-1 Newcastle United (Premier League)
- 14/02/26: Manchester City 2-0 Salford City (FA Cup)
- 11/02/26: Manchester City 3-0 Fulham (Premier League)
- 08/02/26: Liverpool 1-2 Manchester City (Premier League)
Nottingham Forest preview: Couple of injury doubts
Stefan Ortega and Nicola Savona remain injury doubts for Forest. Chris Wood, John Victor and Willy Boly are all long-term absentees.
Predicted lineup: Sels (GK); Aina, Milenkovic, Murillo, Williams; Sangare, Anderson; Hutchinson, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi & Jesus
Last five results:
- 01/03/26: Brighton & Hove Albion 2-1 Nottingham Forest (Premier League)
- 26/02/26: Nottingham Forest 1-2 Fenerbahce (Europa League)
- 22/02/26: Nottingham Forest 0-1 Liverpool (Premier League)
- 19/02/26: Fenerbahce 0-3 Nottingham Forest (Europa League)
- 11/02/26: Nottingham Forest 0-0 Wolverhampton Wanderers (Premier League)
Player to watch: Antoine Semenyo
Antoine Semenyo scored yet another crucial goal for City last weekend, netting the winner at Leeds. He should possess too much quality for Forest, and could be involved in the goals again.