Prediction: Nottingham Forest vs Manchester City

Verdict: Manchester City to score in both halves

Best Odds: 21/20

Bookmaker: Dachbet

Looking to extend on their Premier League title charge this weekend, Manchester City will travel to the City Ground on Sunday afternoon.

Nottingham Forest

Starting with the hosts, suffering what was a hugely controversial 2-0 loss against fellow strugglers Everton last week, Nottingham Forest find themselves at the heart of a public crisis. Dealing with a string of issues both on and off the pitch, Nuno Espirito Santo’s side have come under plenty of recent scrutiny. Opening this weekend’s fixtures holding just a one-point buffer from slipping into the relegation zone, the former Wolves boss has also seen his downbeat squad muster just a single victory from any of their previous 10 appearances across all competitions. Certainly bracing themselves for another monumental challenge here and tipped as a landslide underdog, Forest have also shown some rather glaring defensive struggles. Including a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Tottenham earlier in the month, Sunday’s hosts have remarkably registered just a sole Premier League clean sheet since returning from November’s international break.

Team News

Dealing with another injury setback last month and now missing all of Forest’s last six Premier League appearances, Santo’s side are once again expected to be without Nigeria international Taiwo Awoniyi here. Likewise, not featuring since returning from March’s international break, ex-Wolves defender Willy Boly remains on the sidelines.

Making a cameo appearance off the bench against Everton last week, former Manchester United star Anthony Elanga should be handed a full recall on Sunday afternoon. Notching four goals in his previous six Premier League outings, New Zealand international Chris Wood will spearhead Forest’s charge at the City Ground.

Manchester City

As for the visitors, while Manchester City might have suffered Champions League heartbreak last month as they relinquished their maiden European crown, Pep Guardiola’s men are enjoying a remarkable domestic romp. Making a major statement earlier in the week as they stormed their way to a routine 4-0 victory away at Brighton, the former Barcelona boss will be calling on a repeat display here. Not suffering a single domestic defeat across any competition since the start of December and punching their FA Cup final ticket last weekend following a 1-0 win against Chelsea at Wembley, City have continued to shine with their performances in the final third. Including a 5-1 romp against relegation scrappers Luton on April 13th, Guardiola’s side have notched 17 goals in their previous four Premier League appearances. Likewise, landing a 2-0 win when they welcomed Forest to the Etihad on September 23rd, the Sky Blues should be smelling another real opportunity here.

Team News

Dealing with a recent issue and missing out away at Brighton earlier in the week, Manchester City are once again expected to be without attacking talisman Erling Haaland here. Handed a full rest at the Amex on Thursday night, Portugal international Ruben Dias could be handed a full recall at the heart of Guardiola’s defence.

Enjoying what has been a sensational run this season and notching 24 goals across all competitions, the red-hot Phil Foden will certainly play a leading role at the City Ground. Finding the net away at Brighton in midweek and recorded a first Premier League strike since the end of January, Julian Alvarez should spearhead Guardiola’s charge in the final third.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Nottingham Forest and Manchester City met for their reverse Premier League showdown on September 23rd, the Sky Blues picked up a routine 2-0 win at the Etihad.
• Guardiola’s side have not suffered a single domestic defeat across any competition since the start of December.
• Nottingham Forest have picked up just a single victory from any of their previous 10 appearances across all competitions.
• Sunday’s hosts have recorded just a single Premier League clean sheet since way back on November 5th.
• England international Phil Foden has recorded 24 goals across all competitions so far this season.

Conclusion

Putting in a rampant performance earlier in the week as they stormed their way to a 4-0 romp away at Brighton, Manchester City will be desperate for a repeat display here. Not suffering a single domestic defeat since the start of December, Sunday’s guests should be relishing a trip to the City Ground. Enjoying what has been a major clinical spell in the final third, Guardiola’s side are rightfully tipped as a landslide contender here. Notching 17 goals in just their last four Premier League outings, they will be confident of exploiting a leaky Forest defence.

Verdict: Manchester City to score in both halves

Best Odds: 21/20

Bookmaker: Dachbet