MANCHESTER CITY are in the groove as they hunt down an historic fourth Premier League title in a row and it would be a major surprise if they slipped up away to a Nottingham Forest side battling against relegation.
The pressure was on City heading to Brighton on Thursday night after Arsenal's demolition of Chelsea two days earlier had sent the Gunners four points clear at the top of the table.
But Pep Guardiola's side responded like champions in the first of two games in hand, crushing the Seagulls 4-0 as Phil Foden brought up another bet for our man Slips Tips.
Nottingham Forest will represent a different challenge to Manchester City in this game as they're likely to sit deep and frustrate rather than try to play through the press like Roberto De Zerbi's side.
That could actually make this a tougher match for the title chasers but you'd imagine Guardiola's men will still have too much firepower and trickery for a Forest side in poor form.
Nuno Espirito Santo's side have won just once in 10 games in all competitions, with a Premier League points deduction leaving them just a point above the drop zone heading into the weekend.
They need some points on the board to ease the tension and a shock win over Manchester City would be a welcome boost to frayed nerves at the City Ground.
How the bookies view it: City the strong favourites
With Manchester City hitting top gear again and Nottingham Forest in such poor form, it's no surprise to see the champions as 2/7 favourites with most firms. Forest's best price is 19/2 at Unibet while the draw pays 5/1 at Paddy Power.
Recent head to head: Forest have been a tough nut to crack
Nottingham Forest's recent record in this fixture isn't too shabby, with Manchester City winning just three of the last six meetings. The last two clashes at the City Ground have ended in 1-1 draws, albeit those games were almost 22 years apart.
Guardiola's side won 2-0 at the Etihad earlier this season, with Nottingham Forest failing to make the most of a red card for Rodri early in the second half.
Players to watch: De Bruyne stepping up in the home straight
Kevin De Bruyne set Manchester City on their way in midweek, opening the scoring at Brighton with a header. The Belgian has four goals from his last five games but is still more likely to be a provider. Bet365 price him at 7/5 for an assist while another goal pays 5/2 with the same firm.
Nottingham Forest will look to counter attack with pace so I'd imagine Anthony Elanga will start after coming off the bench in the loss to Everton. The former Manchester United winger is 7/2 at Paddy Power to either score or assist.
Probable line-ups
Erling Haaland missed out for Manchester City in midweek but could return to the squad for this game. Nottingham Forest only have striker Taiwo Awoniyi and defender Wily Boly on the crock list.
Nottingham Forest: Sels, Williams, Niakhate, Murillo, Aina; Gibbs-White, Danilo, Sangare; Elanga, Wood, Hudson-Odoi.
Manchester City: Ederson; Walker, Dias, Gvardiol; Silva, Akanji, Rodri; Grealish; Foden, De Bruyne; Haaland.
Anything else catch the eye? City corner count could add up
With Nottingham Forest likely to defend deep, I'd imagine Manchester City will rack up plenty of corners. Over 10.5 match flag kicks pays 10/11 at BoyleSports while backing City at -4 in that handicap pays 11/10 with the same firm.
Offsides are also less likely when one team sits in so betting against that appeals, although I can only see prices for overs instead of unders in that market just now.
Nottingham Forest right-back Neco Williams will be up against either Jack Grealish or Jeremy Doku so looks good at 7/4 with Paddy Power for over 1.5 fouls.
This English Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Manchester City will be played on Apr 28, 2024 and kick off at 16:30. Check below for our tipsters best Nottingham Forest vs Manchester City prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
