Without Erling Haaland, Manchester City found it harder in attack, but they still earned a 1:0 win over Leeds United, their fourth victory in a row. Now the hosts' forwards will try to find a way through against Nottingham Forest, who are capable of making the game very tight.
Manchester City
In the home match against Newcastle United, when the Norwegian was still playing, Pep Guardiola’s side scored twice from 1.35 xG, and he provided the assist for Nico O'Reilly. Against Leeds United, however, they needed 2.00 xG for Antoine Semenyo’s only goal. We have to disappoint Nottingham Forest supporters: they are unlikely to keep a clean sheet. No team has managed to do that in the hosts' last 10 matches. For that to happen you need to go into the game with a new head coach and be from the same city, as Manchester United did in their 0:2 win.
Nottingham Forest
Only a little more than two weeks ago Nottingham Forest changed head coach yet again, with Vítor Pereira becoming attempt number four. It would be harsh to replace him after just two league rounds – although some might already be thinking about it. They failed to keep their goal intact against Liverpool (0:1) and Brighton & Hove Albion (1:2). However, a 3:0 away win over Fenerbahçe took them through to the UEFA Europa League round of 16 even after a 1:2 home defeat in the second leg. They clearly saved energy before the Premier League round, but it did not help against Brighton & Hove Albion: their late pressure did not bring any result.
Manchester City vs Nottingham Forest Prediction
We do not think Nottingham Forest will keep a clean sheet, but they rarely concede more than two goals. The previous five league meetings between the sides all went under 3.5 goals, and the hosts failed to win only once, so the optimal option is to take this particular combination.
