Manchester City vs Nottingham Forest: FA Cup semi-final preview, prediction
Nottingham Forest defender, Ola Aina been tackled by Manchester City forward, Jeremy Doku. Photo Credit- Sportskeeda
The Wembley Stadium is set for a blockbuster FA Cup semi-final clash between Manchester City and Nottingham Forest on Sunday, April 27, at 4:30 PM (GMT). With City chasing their last shot at silverware in a trophyless season and Forest having a historic campaign, this match holds drama. City, the 2023 FA Cup winners, are favourites, but Forest’s high spirited run to their first semi-final since 1991 could show some upset. This piece is set to explore both teams’ form, tactics, injury updates, head-to-head stats, and predict the scorelines for this high-stakes encounter.
Manchester City performances
Manchester City, fourth in the Premier League with 55 points from 33 matches (W16 D7 L10, GF 59 GA 43), have endured a turbulent 2024/25 season. Their 2-1 last-gasp win over Aston Villa on April 22, sealed by Matheus Nunes’ stoppage-time strike, extended an unbeaten league run to five games (4W-1D-0L). However, defeats to arsenal, forest and a draw to Manchester United in the league showed inconsistency. In the FA Cup, City overcame Huddersfield (5-0), Plymouth Argyle (3-1), and Bournemouth (2-1) with resilience, despite missing key players. Their games reflected attacking potentials but defensive weakness were exploited especially by quick transition teams.
Manchester City tactics
Pep Guardiola’s 4-2-3-1 (or 4-1-4-1) thrives on possession and fluid attacking play. With Erling Haaland sidelined, Omar Marmoush (6 goals in 11 league games, 1 in FA Cup) leads the line, supported by Phil Foden’s creativity and Jeremy Doku’s dribbling and pace. Rodri’s absence forces Rico Lewis or Nico O’Reilly into defensive midfield, reducing opposition control. Defensively, Ruben Dias and Islomjon Khusanov anchor the backline, but set pieces (7 conceded) are a weakness Forest could exploit. City’s 18 shots per game will test Forest’s low block.
Manchester City team news and injuries
City are heavily plagued by injuries. Erling Haaland (ankle, 15 goals) is out, with ongoing specialist consultations. Rodri (knee), Nathan Ake (hamstring), John Stones (calf), and Oscar Bobb (hamstring) are ruled out. Phil Foden and Ederson are close to returning but may be benched, Kevin De Bruyne (groin) is doubtful, leaving Marmoush, Doku, and Savinho to carry the attack. No suspensions loom, but City’s absentees reduces their attack and defense.
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Nottingham Forest performances
Nottingham Forest, third in the Premier League with 56 points from 33 matches (W16 D8 L9, GF 49 GA 39), are enjoying a dream season under Nuno Espírito Santo. Their 2-1 win at Tottenham on April 21, with goals from Elliot Anderson and Chris Wood, boosted their Champions League hopes. However, a 1-0 loss to Everton on April 9 exposed finishing woes (0.8 xG from 12 shots). In the FA Cup, Forest battled past Blackpool (3-2), Bristol City (2-1), and Brighton (penalties after 1-1), showcasing strong spirit. Their 1.48 goals per game and 1.8 xG lag City, but a league-best 8.5% goals-to-shots-faced ratio (47 goals from 548 shots) highlights defensive solidity.
Nottingham Forest tactics
Nuno’s 4-2-3-1 shifts to a 5-4-1 out of possession, with a low block absorbing pressure. Morgan Gibbs-White (5 goals, 8 assists) from the No. 10 role, feeding Wood (10 goals) and Anthony Elanga’s pace. Nikola Milenkovic and Murillo form an impressive center-back pairing, conceding 1.18 goals per game, though set pieces (5 scored, 4 conceded) are a strength. Forest’s counterattacks, could target City’s depleted midfield. Nuno’s penalty shootout success could be used as a morale support if the game extends.
Nottingham Forest team news and injuries
Forest face suspensions, with Neco Williams and Ryan Yates banned after yellow-card accumulations. Ola Aina (calf) and Taiwo Awoniyi (hamstring) are doubtful, potentially leaving Alex Moreno and Wood as starters. Matz Sels anchors goal, with Milenkovic and Murillo fit. Nuno’s limited bench depth could hinder late-game changes.
Man City vs Forest head-to-head statistics
Based on Flashscore and SofaScore, the last 10 competitive meetings show City’s dominance: Man City having 4 wins, Forest just 2 wins, and 4 times have both clubs shared points. The goal records are also staggering with Man City having 17, while Forest have 8. City are unbeaten in the last four meetings (3W-1D), scoring 7-1. Forest’s last win was in March, 2025. Five of 10 games saw under 2.5 goals, but recent clashes average 2.8 goals. No FA Cup meetings since 1974 (Forest 4-1).
Man City vs Forest prediction
Manchester City are favoured to come out victorious. Their recent league run and 18 shots per game could overwhelm Forest’s defense, especially with Marmoush’s form (6 goals in 11). However, six injuries; Haaland, Rodri, Ake, Stones, Bobb, De Bruyne could disrupt their rhythm. City’s set-piece frailty (7 conceded) faces Forest’s aerial threat with Wood’s headers. Guardiola’s 7 straight FA Cup semi-finals ensures City’s pedigree, but their 0-0 Manchester derby shows scoring struggles.
Predicted Scoreline: Manchester City 2-1 Nottingham Forest. City’s attacking depth with Marmoush, Doku, Foden gives them the advantage over Forest’s low block. However, an alternative result could end in a 1-1 with Forest winning on penalties.
