The Matchday 28 clash in the Premier League between Nottingham Forest and Manchester City will take place on March 8 at the City Ground. Nottingham Forest vs. Manchester City: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Nottingham Forest
For the second time this season, Nottingham Forest failed to win in three consecutive Premier League matches. The team had an unsuccessful away trip, losing to Fulham (1-2) and Newcastle (3-4), and settled for a goalless draw at home against Arsenal in the last round. Notably, this was the club's first goalless draw in the current Premier League season. Nuno Espírito Santo's side remains in third place, but now Manchester City is just one point behind, and Chelsea is two points behind.
- At least three goals have been scored in 5 of Nottingham Forest's last 6 Premier League matches.
- The club has opened the scoring in 8 of their last 10 home matches in the league.
- Nottingham Forest has not conceded in the first half in their last 11 home games in the Premier League.
Predicted lineup for Nottingham Forest (4-2-3-1)
Matz Sels – Ola Aina, Murillo, Nikola Milenkovic, Neco Williams – Elliot Anderson, Nicolas Dominguez – Anthony Elanga, Morgan Gibbs-White, Callum Hudson-Odoi – Chris Wood.
Manchester City
The Citizens played four matches in the league in February, securing two wins and suffering two defeats. They lost to Arsenal (1-5) and Liverpool (0-2), but defeated Newcastle (4-0) and Tottenham (1-0). The club retained fourth place in the standings, and if they win the upcoming match, they will move up to third. It's also worth noting that the team has scored 53 goals, now trailing only Liverpool in terms of goals scored.
- At least four goals have been scored in 6 of Manchester City's last 8 Premier League games.
- The Mancunians have not lost in 8 of their last 10 league matches (6 wins and 2 draws).
- The Citizens have conceded in 10 of their last 13 away Premier League matches.
Predicted lineup for Manchester City (4-2-3-1)
Ederson – Mateus Nunes, Josko Gvardiol, Abdukodir Khusanov, Ruben Dias – Mateo Kovacic, Nico Gonzalez – Savio, Jeremy Doku, Omar Marmoush – Erling Haaland.
Midfielder Rodri Hernandez, forward Oscar Bobb, as well as defenders John Stones and Manuel Akanji are unavailable due to injuries.
Referee
Chris Kavanagh (England)
Matches – 17 (Premier League, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 87;
Average yellow cards per match – 5.1;
Red cards shown – 4;
Average fouls per match – 22;
Penalties – 18%.
Nottingham Forest vs. Manchester City: Match Prediction
In the upcoming match, I favor the visitors. Despite the challenges faced by Pep Guardiola closer to mid-season, his team is gradually emerging from a psychological slump. The team is not yet consistent, but in the last 10 rounds, they have only lost to two Premier League leaders. Moreover, the Citizens are out of the Champions League, allowing them to focus entirely on the domestic competition.
The crisis in the Manchester club began in early November when the team lost four consecutive Premier League matches, and they managed to stop the slide down the standings only thanks to a resounding victory over Nottingham Forest (3-0). Even in a less-than-ideal state, the Citizens managed to handle Nuno Espírito Santo's side. I believe Manchester City will win this match, especially since Nottingham Forest is starting to face problems in the league, where they have not won in three consecutive matches.
My prediction – Manchester City to win
