Manchester City welcome Nottingham Forest to the Etihad in a clash that sees one of the league’s most dominant home sides face a team fighting to stay clear of the Premier League drop zone.
With City boasting a formidable record in this fixture and Forest struggling for both form and defensive solidity, all eyes will be on whether the hosts can keep up their relentless title chase. Kick-off is at 19:30 on Wednesday 4 March.
Best Bets & Predictions
Based on season-long trends and recent head-to-head results, our best bets for this match focus on City’s attacking strength and Forest’s defensive frailties. We’re particularly confident in goals at both ends being limited, given Forest’s difficulties against top teams and City’s strong defensive record at home.
| Our Prediction | Odds & Bookmaker | Confidence | Why We’re Backing It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 3.5 Goals | 6/4 @ Betfair (40.0%) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | City have kept 12 clean sheets this term and Forest average less than a goal a game away. Four of the last six H2Hs have finished with fewer than four goals, and Forest rarely open up against the top sides. |
| Both Teams To Score: No | 21/20 @ Matchbook (48.8%) | ⭐⭐⭐ | Forest have only scored three goals in their last eight meetings with City and have drawn a blank in three of their last four visits to the Etihad. City’s defensive structure at home is among the best in the division. |
Odds correct at the time of writing.
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Man City vs Nottingham Forest match odds
How both teams head into Man City vs Nottingham Forest
Manchester City have been title contenders in the 2025/26 Premier League, sitting 2nd in the table with 59 points from 28 matches (18 wins, 5 draws, 5 losses), just five points behind leaders Arsenal with a game in hand. They boast a +32 goal difference, having scored 57 goals and conceded 25.
Erling Haaland has been central to City’s success, leading the club’s scoring charts with 22 Premier League goals this season, while Phil Foden has contributed regularly with goals and creativity. Their home form at the Etihad has been formidable, with 11 wins in 14 home league games, and they’ve scored 34 goals at home, showing their attacking strength.
City have also enjoyed strong recent form with multiple consecutive league victories, extending their unbeaten run to six matches, despite periods missing Haaland through injury. Overall, Pep Guardiola’s side combine prolific scoring with solid defence and are firmly in the title race with fewer than 10 fixtures remaining.
Nottingham Forest have endured a tough Premier League campaign, sitting 17th in the table with 27 points from 28 matches (7 wins, 6 draws, 15 losses). They average 0.96 points per game, placing them just above the relegation zone. Forest have scored 26 goals (0.92 per game) while conceding 41 (1.46 per game), resulting in a -15 goal difference. Their home record stands at 3 wins, 4 draws and 7 losses, with slightly better away form.
Manager Vítor Pereira, Forest’s fourth manager of the season, faces pressure as his side juggles domestic survival with Europa League commitments. Forest’s defensive struggles and inconsistent scoring have defined their season, leaving them in a precarious position ahead of the latter stages.
Man City team news
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is assessing fitness ahead of Forest’s visit. Erling Haaland missed City’s 1-0 win at Leeds due to a minor training knock, with Guardiola describing it as “not a big issue”, but he was unavailable for selection and his participation in this match remains uncertain. Versatile full-back/midfielder Nico O’Reilly hobbled off against Leeds with an ankle knock and could be monitored before team selection, though no official confirmation of his fitness has emerged. Long-term absentees Josko Gvardiol, Mateo Kovačić and Jérémy Doku are all expected to be out.
Nottingham Forest team news
Nottingham Forest’s injury troubles continue to impact Vítor Pereira’s squad selection for the trip to the Etihad. Long-term absentees Chris Wood (knee) and Willy Boly (knee) remain ruled out, with both still months from returning. Goalkeeper Matz Sels is also out with a groin/hip issue and won’t feature, while Stefan Ortega is recovering from a calf/shin problem and only at late fitness-test stage. Morgan Gibbs-White and Callum Hudson-Odoi should start, having played in recent matches, but Wood’s absence means Forest lack their leading striker from last season.
Season Form & Standings
Manchester City are pushing for the title, currently in 2nd with 59 points from 28 games (18W, 5D, 5L), a remarkable +32 goal difference, and the leagues second-best defensive record. Nottingham Forest are 17th, just above the relegation zone, with 27 points from 28 matches (7W, 6D, 15L), and a worrying -15 goal difference.
| Team | Pos | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manchester City | 2 | 28 | 18 | 5 | 5 | 57 | 25 | +32 | 59 |
| Nottingham Forest | 17 | 28 | 7 | 6 | 15 | 26 | 41 | -15 | 27 |
Head-to-Head: Last 6 Meetings
Manchester City have dominated this fixture, winning five of the last six encounters and conceding just twice in that run.
| Date | Score | Competition |
|---|---|---|
| 27/12/25 | Nottingham Forest 1-2 Manchester City | Premier League |
| 27/04/25 | Nottingham Forest 0-2 Manchester City | FA Cup |
| 08/03/25 | Nottingham Forest 1-0 Manchester City | Premier League |
| 04/12/24 | Manchester City 3-0 Nottingham Forest | Premier League |
| 28/04/24 | Nottingham Forest 0-2 Manchester City | Premier League |
| 23/09/23 | Manchester City 2-0 Nottingham Forest | Premier League |
Final Thoughts
With City’s formidable home form, sharp defensive record, and attacking firepower spearheaded by Haaland, it’s difficult to look past another dominant display. Forest’s limited attacking threat against top sides and their issues at the back suggest goals could be at a premium, and our strongest angle is Under 3.5 Goals at 6/4 with Betfair (40.0%). City backers may also see value in Both Teams To Score: No at 21/20 with Matchbook (48.8%). Will City’s defensive strength continue to keep Forest at bay?
Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.
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