The festive football frenzy continues today, Saturday, December 27, 2025, as Nottingham Forest welcome the reigning champions, Manchester City, to the City Ground for a high-stakes 12:30 GMT kick-off.
While Manchester City are currently breathing down the necks of league leaders Arsenal, Nottingham Forest find themselves in a transitional period under the guidance of Sean Dyche, who took the helm in October. With Forest desperate to distance themselves from the relegation scrap and City eyeing the top spot, this clash promises a classic "Defense vs. Attack" narrative.
Match Details
Competition: Premier League (Matchday 18)
Kick-off: 12:30 GMT
Venue: The City Ground, Nottingham
Broadcast: TNT Sports (UK) / USA Network (US)
Current Form: City’s Perfection vs. Forest’s Rollercoaster
Nottingham Forest: The Dyche Effect
Since Sean Dyche’s arrival, Forest has become a team of extremes. They have shown they can be "giant killers" at home, recently dismantling Tottenham 3-0, yet they struggle for consistency on the road, coming off a disappointing 1-0 loss to Fulham. Dyche has focused on making the City Ground a fortress, relying on a rigid defensive structure and the clinical finishing of Brazilian forward Igor Jesus, who has become a fan favorite since his arrival.
Manchester City: A Seven-Game Surge
Pep Guardiola’s side is in terrifying form, having won their last seven matches across all competitions. They have kept four consecutive clean sheets in the league, winning each of those games by a 3-0 scoreline (against West Ham, Crystal Palace, Brentford, and Sunderland). If they win today by three or more goals with a clean sheet, they will become the first club in English top-flight history to achieve that feat in five successive games.
Team News & Predicted Lineups
Nottingham Forest Team News
Forest are currently facing a selection crisis due to injuries and the start of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Out: Ola Aina (Hamstring), Chris Wood (Knee), Ryan Yates (Thigh), Angus Gunn (Knee).
AFCON Duty: Ibrahim Sangaré, Willy Boly.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Sels; Savona, Milenkovic, Murillo, Williams; Luiz, Anderson; Hutchinson, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi; Jesus.
Manchester City Team News
City’s squad depth is being tested, though their "front three" remain fit and firing.
Out: Oscar Bobb, Mateo Kovacic, Jeremy Doku.
Doubts: Late fitness tests for Rodri (Hamstring) and John Stones (Thigh).
New Stars: Keep an eye on Rayan Cherki and Tijani Reijnders, who have integrated seamlessly into Guardiola's midfield.
Predicted XI (4-1-4-1): Donnarumma; Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, O'Reilly; Nico; Silva, Cherki, Foden, Reijnders; Haaland.
Tactical Analysis: The Wall vs. The Machine
Forest’s Low Block
Sean Dyche will likely instruct his team to sit in a very deep, compact 4-5-1 formation. The goal will be to deny Erling Haaland space to run behind and force City to play "around" rather than "through" them. Forest will look to exploit City on the break through the pace of Callum Hudson-Odoi and the creative vision of Morgan Gibbs-White.
City’s Half-Space Mastery
City’s attack has evolved with Phil Foden and Rayan Cherki operating as "twin tens." They specialize in "overloading" the half-spaces, drawing defenders out of position to create tap-ins for Haaland. With Nico O'Reilly flourishing in an inverted left-back role, City often effectively plays with a four-man midfield diamond that is nearly impossible to track.
Head-to-Head: Recent History
While City are the favorites, the City Ground has not always been a happy hunting ground for them.
Last Meeting (FA Cup): Nottingham Forest 0–2 Manchester City (April 2025).
Last League Meeting at City Ground: Nottingham Forest 1–0 Manchester City (March 2025).
Overall Record: City leads with 35 wins to Forest's 27, with 24 draws.
Match Prediction
Despite Forest’s ability to frustrate big teams at home, Manchester City's current momentum feels unstoppable. The "Haaland-Cherki-Foden" combination is arguably the most potent in world football right now. While Dyche’s men will put up a fight, City’s ability to recycle possession and tire out defenses should see them through.
Final Score Prediction: Nottingham Forest 0–3 Manchester City
