(+1.0)![]()
Analysis of the match between Nottingham Forest and Manchester City
Manchester City are in devastating form, and there is little doubt about that. Pep Guardiola’s side have won their last seven matches in all competitions, including impressive away victories over Real Madrid and Crystal Palace. Notably, City have kept clean sheets in three consecutive Premier League games for the first time since 2021. This red-hot run has lifted the Citizens to second place in the table, piling pressure on league leaders Arsenal.
At this stage of the season, many City stars are hitting peak form. Erling Haaland continues to score freely and has now reached 19 Premier League goals, joining legends such as Andy Cole and Luis Suárez in achieving that tally around Christmas. Even more alarming for opponents, the Norwegian striker has opened the scoring in 10 matches this season. Alongside Haaland, Phil Foden and Rayan Cherki have also been in excellent form, consistently contributing goals and assists over the past month. Cherki, in particular, is gradually establishing himself as City’s chief playmaker at the Etihad.
City have won five consecutive Premier League matches, evoking memories of their unstoppable surge in the second half of the 2022/23 season, when they overtook Arsenal to claim the title. In short, once Guardiola’s men step on the gas, they appear almost impossible to stop.
Nottingham Forest are unlikely to pose a serious threat. They suffered a 0-1 defeat to Fulham earlier this week and are enduring a difficult campaign, currently sitting near the bottom of the table. To make matters worse, Forest will be without key defensive midfielder Sangaré due to AFCON duty, further weakening their midfield and leaving them with little hope of causing an upset against City.
