Football
Nottingham Forest vs Manchester City Preview: Odds, Tips and Prediction
Date: March 08, 2025, Kickoff Time (UK): 12:30 AM Venue: The City Ground Third-placed Nottingham Forest entertain Manchester City on Saturday afternoon in the Premier League. These two teams are competing for a spot in the Champions League and will no doubt know the value of the three points on offer here.
Pep Guardiola//Getty Images
City are beginning to find their feet again, but Forest have maintained their run of fine form. Online football betting sites have priced City as favourites – but we think it could be a lot closer than that.
SportsBoom delivers a detailed breakdown for fans interested in online sports betting, covering team analysis, past encounters, and expert betting insights to help make informed wagers
Pre-Game Odds and Win Probability
Home: 26/10 (3.6) – 27%
Draw: 24/10 (3.4) – 29%
Away: 19/20 (1.95) – 44%
Head-To-Head Record
Last five meetings (Premier League)
04/12/2024: Manchester City 3–0 Nottingham Forest
28/04/2024: Nottingham Forest 0–2 Manchester City
23/09/2023: Manchester City 2–0 Nottingham Forest
18/02/2023: Nottingham Forest 1–1 Manchester City
31/08/2022: Manchester City 5–0 Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest Current Form – LWLLD
Nottingham Forest continues to impress in the league. They have played incredible football for the majority of the season and for the most part, not really got the plaudits they deserve.
Defensively, they have been up there with the best in the league. Offensively, they have scored some incredible goals already, but with players like Chris Wood up front – they always pose a serious threat.
Is Nottingham Forest headed to reclaim their glory days in domestic English football? It would be brilliant for the game, and for the neutral fan, brilliant to watch.
Key Players to Watch
- Morgan Gibbs-White: Regular readers will have noted the fact that we have recently mentioned Gibbs-White a few times, but given his performances for Forest recently, he deserves the praise. An influential midfielder who is able to allow his side time and space when going forward – but also one who isn’t shy to get stuck in defensively. Keep an eye out on him here.
- Ibrahim Sangare: A defensive midfielder who brings incredible stability to the Forest center. His tactical know-how and ability to win the ball back for his side has seen him given opportunities to start games and earn minutes in the league. He has been immense for Forest.
- Ramon Sosa: Another attacking forward who has been in fine form for Forest. He has contributed to their attacking prowess – which allows a release of pressure on the likes of Chris Wood up front. He has been brilliant and can cause serious concerns for City here.
Nottingham Forest Team News
Carlos Miguel (hamstring injury) remains the only injury concern for Nottingham Forest.
Manchester City Current Form – WLWLW
Manchester City have – at least by their standards – struggled this season. They are in a position where Champions League qualification isn’t guaranteed and the only realistic opportunity for a title is the FA Cup.
They have begun to look better in recent weeks, but their inconsistency has still cost them vital points in the league. The way in which they have played recently suggests that they are worthy favourites here – but against a Forest side who will lack fear and believe they can earn a big result, City will have to start positively.
Key Players to Watch
- Erling Haaland: We promise we will move on from our appreciation of Haaland soon, but the fact that he continues to play at the level he is currently only endears his footballing ability further. A prolific goalscorer and a player with undeniable consistency.
- Claudio Echeverri: The attention around this young Argentine has been incredible, but in the little we have seen of him, it seems justified. Dubbed the “new Messi” he earned some minutes in the FA Cup and seems as though he has effortlessly fitted into Pep Guardiola’s plans.
- Nico O’Reilly: Another young academy product, O’Reilly has impressed many at City after his brief appearances and if he is given the nod in the league – keep an eye on him. Pep Guardiola has slotted him into left-back and given his versatility, he will no doubt play a role in the remainder of their season.
Manchester City Team News
John Stones (thigh injury), Manuel Akanji (groin injury), Nathan Ake (knock), Oscar Bobb (broken leg) and Rodri (knee injury) are all sidelined due to injury.
Predicted Line-Up
Nottingham Forest, 4-2-3-1: Sels, Aina, Milenkovic, Murillo, Williams, Dominguez, Anderson, Elanga, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi, Wood.
Manchester City, 4-2-3-1: Ortega, O’Reilly, Ake, Rels, Lewis, Silva, Gundogan, Grealish, De Bruyne, McAtee, Foden.
Suggested Bets
Manchester City (Win): City are favourites for this encounter, but we think their quality and current run of form suggests they have enough to get past a spirited Forest. 19/20 (1.95) with BetWinner
Both Teams to Score (Yes): The attacking prowess they both possess is undeniable, but their inconsistent defensive records lead us to think that both teams scoring is a good bet here. 11/20 (1.55) with BetWinner
Over 2.5 Goals: Back over 2.5 goals here, neither side will back down and the attacking threats are littered all over the pitch. 6/10 (1.6) with BetWinner
Value Bets
Manchester City + Both Teams to Score: Combine these two betting angles for maximum value in this match. 24/10 (3.4) with Betway
Manchester City + Over 2.5 Goals: Another option to consider for a good possible return is Manchester City + Over 2.5 Goals. 33/20 (2.65) with Betway
Away Team Totals (Over 2.5): For those punters among us looking for even more value, consider backing Pep Guardiola’s side to find the net at will. Back City to score over 2.5 goals at 43/20 (3.15) with Betway
Prediction: Manchester City to Win
This is the strongest betting prediction we have for the Nottingham Forest vs Manchester City clash. The visitors are seemingly getting into a good rhythm once again, and given their need to secure Champions League football, they will not lack focus here.
Ryan Liberty is an experienced sports writer whose articles have featured in some of the biggest sports publications in South Africa. With a strong understanding of all major sports and an in-depth understanding of betting, Ryan consistently delivers insightful content. He's also known for his ability to break down complex topics into engaging, reader-friendly pieces.
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