Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City will look to end a seven-match winless run when they host sixth-placed Nottingham Forest at the Etihad on Wednesday.
Manchester City’s losing streak in the league has brought them down to the fifth position on the points table and now they are gearing up to face Nottingham Forest, who are just a point behind them, having made an impressive start to the new campaign.
Manchester City made a dominant start to another new season as they had won seven out of their first nine Premier League games. But, things have taken a massive turn of late as they have lost each of their last four league games.
Their winless run of seven matches began with a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Tottenham in the EFL Cup towards the end of October. Guardiola’s men have not been able to return to winning ways since then.
The reigning Premier League champions are heading into this one on the back of a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Liverpool. Their former Barcelona manager is determined to turn things around, and Nottingham Forest might end up feeling their full force.
The visitors have accumulated 22 points in their 13 outings thanks to six wins, four draws and three defeats. After losing back-to-back games, the Tricky Trees returned to winning ways against Ipswich Town last time out.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s men have undoubtedly enjoyed an impressive start, but this game against Manchester City is an opportunity to take things to the next level. A win here will be a massive boost for them and with the home side struggling, this is the best opportunity for them. The Hard Tackle takes a closer look at both teams and tries to predict the tactics they could deploy.
Team News & Tactics
Manchester City
Manchester City will be without Rodri, John Stones, Oscar Bobb, and Mateo Kovacic for this fixture. The only positive out of their game against Liverpool was the return of Jeremy Doku, who could now have a bigger role against Nottingham Forest.
In what was a massive surprise for all, Stefan Ortega started ahead of Ederson Moraes in their last outing. However, the Brazilian international is expected to return between the sticks for this one.
Manchester City will line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation against Nottingham Forest, with Rico Lewis and Josko Gvardiol on the flanks. Ruben Dias and Manuel Akanji will pair up in the heart of the defence. The back four will be looking to keep a clean sheet.
The defenders will receive significant support from Bernardo Silva and Ilkay Gundogan, who will form the double pivot in midfield. They will shield the backline and look to dictate the tempo of the game. Jack Grealish could be handed the opportunity to play in a number ten role, with Savinho and Doku on the flanks. Star striker Erling Haaland will continue to lead the line.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Ederson; Lewis, Dias, Akanji, Gvardiol; Bernardo Silva, Gundogan; Savinho, Grealish, Doku; Haaland
Manchester City vs Nottingham Forest Predicted XI
Nottingham Forest
Nuno Espirito Santo will be without the services of Danilo and Ibrahim Sangare. Apart from the duo, everyone else is fully fit to take part in this fixture. Morgan Gibbs-White and Anthony Elanga returned to the matchday squad last time out and could have a bigger involvement here.
Nottingham Forest will also line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, where Matz Sels will be an automatic pick between the sticks. Ola Aina and Alex Moreno will be the full-backs, with Nikola Milenkovic and Murillo combining in the heart of the defence.
As for the midfield unit, Ryan Yates should partner Nicolas Dominguez in the centre of the park. They will look to ensure that the Manchester City midfielders do not end up dominating the proceedings.
Jota Silva and Callum Hudson-Odoi will provide width to their attacks, while Morgan Gibbs-White will take up the number ten role. Chris Wood, who has been in red-hot form, will continue to lead the line for Nottingham Forest against Manchester City.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Sels; Aina, Milenkovic, Murillo, Moreno; Yates, Dominguez; Jota Silva, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi; Wood
Manchester City vs Nottingham Forest Predicted XI
Key Stats
Manchester City have lost each of their last four league games.
Chris Wood drew level with Bryan Roy for most league goals (24) for Nottingham last time out and now he can overtake him with another striker.
Pep Guardiola’s team are on a seven-match winless run across competitions.
Forest last defeated Manchester City in the FA Cup back in the 2008-09 season.
Manchester City have lost four league games in a row for the first time since 2008.
Player to Watch
Jeremy Doku
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While Manchester City were second best for the majority of the game against Liverpool, Doku’s substitution did make things interesting. He looked like a serious threat from the left flank. The 22-year-old winger is expected to start in this fixture and he could end up being the x-factor player who helps Guardiola’s team return to winning ways. The Belgian international will be keen to add to his tally of two goals and two assists.
Prediction
Manchester City 3-1 Nottingham Forest
Manchester City have been on a horror run of late, losing each of their last four league games while being winless in their last seven outings across competitions. They are not going to find it easy against a Nottingham Forest side who have been doing most things right this season.
While Manchester City’s recent record suggests they could end up suffering a defeat, Pep Guardiola has suggested that his team will come in full force to get things back on track. The Hard Tackle predicts a 3-1 win for the home team.