Manchester City return to Premier League action tonight when they take on Nottingham Forest at the Etihad Stadium. It looms as another tough match for Pep Guardiola’s side. The visitors sit sixth in the Premier League table and they do appear to be [ideally suited](https://esteemedkompany.com/2024/12/03/the-threat-posed-by-nottingham-forest-is-a-familiar-one-for-manchester-city/) to exploiting City’s frailties. The challenge ahead of the world champions is to pick up three points tonight and end their seven-game winless run. But that will be no easy task based on City’s recent form and Nottingham Forest’s impressive start to the season.
#### Latest Manchester City injury news
Rodri, Oscar Bobb and Mateo Kovacic are all out of tonight’s match due to injury. They will be joined by John Stones who is also out of tonight’s match. Pep Guardiola [told the media](https://www.mancity.com/news/mens/pep-guardiola-manchester-city-nottingham-forest-202425-injury-update-63868825) yesterday that Stones is unlikely to return this week as his stint on the sidelines is set to continue.
There was, however, good news in regards to Kevin De Bruyne’s condition provided by Pep Guardiola yesterday. He told the media that the club legend is edging closer to a return to the starting lineup. Guardiola told the media that De Bruyne has been training well over the past few days which is welcome news for Manchester City.
#### Predicted City starting eleven
**Stefan Ortega-** I can’t see Ortega not starting tonight. He did well against Liverpool and I find it to be unlikely that he will drop to the bench tonight.
**Manuel Akanji-** With Kyle Walker out of form and Rico Lewis in desperate need of a rest I expect Akanji to line up at right-back. I also expect him to step into midfield when City have possession.
**Ruben Dias-** Dias returned from injury against Liverpool and I’d expect him to keep his place in City’s starting lineup.
**Nathan Ake-** The Dutch international was City’s man-of-the-match, in my opinion, against Liverpool. He looks to be over his injury issues which is welcome news.
**Josko Gvardiol-** Gvardiol missed City’s defeat to Liverpool at Anfield. I expect him to return to his familiar left-back role tonight and he’ll have a crucial role to play if he starts.
**Matheus Nunes-** Manchester City need a change in midfield and I wouldn’t be surprised to see Nunes play as a number 6. Ilkay Gundogan needs a rest and the pace of Nunes could be vital in midfield.
**Bernardo Silva-** It’s a toss up between Bernardo and Gundogan as to who will start in midfield but I believe Bernardo will get the nod tonight.
**Jack Grealish-** Pep Guardiola hinted at it after the Liverpool game and I expect Grealish to start in midfield. He has the game for it and it may give City a new look in midfield.
**Savinho-** Manchester City need more creativity out wide and I expect Savinho to start on the right wing to provide it.
**Jeremy Doku-** See above with Savinho. Doku looked lively against Liverpool when he came on and hopefully he can bring that drive and energy to City’s left wing.
**Erling Haaland-** An automatic selection for tonight.