Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the English Premier League match.
This might not be the biggest headline clash of the round, but in terms of significance, it could be the most crucial. With just one point separating the two sides, Nottingham Forest sit third while defending champions Manchester City are fourth. A win for Manchester City would see them leapfrog their hosts in the table.
Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest have struggled for consistency in recent weeks, dropping 11 points in their last five league matches. However, Manchester City haven’t been much better, losing six points in the same period. Adding to Nottingham Forest’s challenges, their FA Cup fifth-round tie against Ipswich Town went to extra time and penalties on 3 March, meaning they’ll have had two fewer days of rest compared to Manchester City. Nottingham Forest are expected to sit deep and absorb pressure, looking to exploit Manchester City on the counter-attack. Their wingers, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Anthony Elanga, are key to this approach—Elanga registered an assist in the FA Cup victory over Ipswich Town.
Manchester City
The return of Erling Haaland significantly boosts Manchester City’s chances of scoring. The Norwegian remains their top scorer by a considerable margin, with 28 goals this season—his closest teammate, Phil Foden, has 10. Manchester City struggled in his absence, failing to score in a 1:3 defeat to Real Madrid and a 0:2 loss to Liverpool. Even in the FA Cup, where his presence wasn’t necessarily needed against Plymouth Argyle, he still managed an assist. Despite Haaland’s firepower, the Manchester side have ongoing defensive issues. The absence of Rodri Hernández has left a gap in midfield, while injuries to Manuel Akanji, John Stones, and Nathan Aké have disrupted their defensive structure. Newcomer Abdukodir Khusanov has been integrated into the side, but he remains an unpredictable presence at the back.
Nottingham Forest vs Manchester City Prediction
With Haaland in the lineup, Manchester City are almost certain to find the net. However, their defensive instability means Nottingham Forest are more than capable of scoring as well. Expect a tight contest where both teams find the net.
