Nottingham Forest vs Manchester City

Relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest and title-bidding Manchester City are set to lock horns at the City Ground in a high-stakes Premier League duel.

These are uncertain times for relegation-fighting Nottingham Forest as the club fell from the governing body’s good grace after lashing out at referees during a 2-0 loss at Everton last weekend on social media. Left only one point clear of the bottom three, the Tricky Trees must focus on their performances on the pitch, having won just once in their last nine league matches (D3, L5), courtesy of a 3-1 demolition of Fulham at the City Ground. This venue has been a source of inspiration for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side, as they’re unbeaten in their last three games here (W1, D2), suggesting an upset could be in store. Adding to this sentiment, they have only lost three of their 16 previous home meetings with Man City in the top flight (W10, D3). 

Manchester City eased past Forest 2-0 in the reverse fixture, but completing a league double over the City Ground outfit hinges on improving upon last season’s 1-1 draw at this venue. Achieving that feat would, in turn, see Pep Guardiola register his 300th Premier League win in charge of the Citizens! Nothing less would do for a side that has averaged 2.19 points per game on the road this Premier League season. Guardiola’s men commence this round one point adrift of table-topping Arsenal but with a game in hand, highlighting the significance of scooping up three points on a third consecutive Premier League travel. The last two have seen Man City score precisely four goals, including a 4-0 thumping of Brighton in midweek.