Nottingham Forest vs Manchester City predictions and betting tips – Guardiola has eyes on title

Manchester City have closed the gap at the top of the Premier League to two points.

They are keen to keep the pressure on Arsenal for as long as possible, and they have the chance to temporarily go first in the early kick-off on Saturday.

Will Pep Guardiola’s side march on with another win, or can Nottingham Forest cause an upset at the City Ground?

• Choose Manchester City/Manchester City in the half-time/full-time market – 7/5 with Midnite
• Back both teams to score – 4/6 with Spreadex
• Go for Rayan Cherki to score or assist – 10/11 with Sky Bet

Nottingham Forest vs Manchester City odds

Find the latest Nottingham Forest vs Manchester City betting odds here. All odds are provided by our recommended football bookmakers and are subject to change.

Nottingham Forest vs Manchester City predictions

For the second weekend running, Manchester City have the chance to put pressure on Arsenal by climbing above them in the Premier League table on Saturday.

After a 3-0 victory over West Ham United last time out, City temporarily pushed the Gunners down into second. Mikel Arteta’s men reclaimed top spot with a 1-0 victory over Everton, but they will again play after City on matchday 18.

Pep Guardiola’s side have certainly picked up over the last few weeks. They began the campaign somewhat unconvincingly, despite broadly positive results. 

Even as recently as the start of December, City were winning games without looking entirely comfortable. 

A last-minute winner was required to see off Leeds United at the Etihad Stadium. A few days later, Fulham almost staged a miraculous comeback at Craven Cottage, but City held on for a 5-4 victory.

Yet their last three Premier League games have all been 3-0 wins, with Guardiola’s men getting the better of Sunderland, Crystal Palace and West Ham United. City have now scored 41 goals this season, 10 more than anyone else, while only Arsenal have conceded fewer.

The expected goals difference data still favours the Gunners, suggesting their underlying performances have been stronger. But City have narrowed the gap, and they will hope that their title-winning experience becomes an increasingly significant factor as time goes on.

It is not exactly surprising given the high standards he has set over the last nine years, but Guardiola still wants to see more from his players.

“I’m happy, we are fourth in the Champions League and semi-finals of the Carabao Cup but the way we played with the ball we have to improve,” he said after the West Ham win.

“Otherwise, it will not be enough to arrive in March and April to be contenders to win titles. I want to be honest with myself, I said to the players, Merry Christmas for everyone but it will not be enough if we don’t improve. It will not improve.”

Nottingham Forest have made clear strides forward under Sean Dyche, yet they are struggling to leave the relegation battle behind once and for all.

A 1-0 defeat by Fulham on Monday night has left Forest just five points above the dreaded dotted line ahead of City’s visit to the East Midlands for the early kick-off on Saturday.

Nottingham Forest vs Manchester City betting tips

Manchester City will be targeting another victory when they take on Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

Man City to triumph again

Manchester City have developed a useful habit of starting matches quickly.

They recently opened the scoring after just 59 seconds against Leeds United, while City made the net bulge in the fifth minute against West Ham United last time out. 

Guardiola’s team have the best first-half record in the Premier League, having led at the interval in 12 of 17 games.

They are particularly effective in the opening period away from home: City have been ahead after 45 minutes in six of eight matches at opposition stadiums.

With that in mind, we expect them to hold an advantage at the end of both halves at the City Ground.

Choose Manchester City/Manchester City in the half-time/full-time market at 7/5 with Midnite

Forest can strike

Nottingham Forest were far from their best in the 1-0 defeat by Fulham on Monday.

They were superb in their last home game, though, a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur.

Forest have scored eight goals in their last four home matches, so they do carry a threat in front of their own supporters.

Manchester City have kept three clean sheets on the bounce, but they are still prone to giving up chances on their travels. We fancy goals at both ends of the pitch in this one.

Back both teams to score at 4/6 with Spreadex

Cherki to maintain form

Rayan Cherki took a while to find his feet at the start of the campaign, when he was in and out of the Manchester City team.

Recently, though, he has become one of the first names on Guardiola’s team sheet thanks to an excellent spell of form.

Cherki is a maverick. Blessed with quick feet and footballing imagination, he can unpick even well-manned defences.

The France international has had five direct goal involvements, either by scoring or assisting, in his last seven appearances.

Go for Rayan Cherki to score or assist at 10/11 with Sky Bet

Nottingham Forest vs Manchester City predicted lineups

• Nottingham Forest expected lineup: Victor; Savona, Milenkovic, Murillo, Williams; Anderson, Luiz; Hutchinson, Gibbs-White, Dominguez; Jesus.
• Manchester City expected lineup: Donnarumma; Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, O’Reilly; Gonzalez; Silva, Cherki, Reijnders, Foden; Haaland.

Where to watch Nottingham Forest vs Manchester City

• Location: City Ground, Nottingham, England.
• Date and time: Saturday 27th December, 12.30pm.
• How to watch: TNT Sports 1.

More Premier League predictions

We have plenty more Premier League predictions and picks – find our latest betting tips from expert punters in our match preview overview.

About the author

Greg Lea

Greg Lea is a freelance football writer from London. He predominantly covers the Premier League and has had work published by the Guardian, FourFourTwo, ESPN and others.

Follow Greg on X: @GregLeaFootball

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