Nottingham Forest are set to host Manchester City in a Premier League clash at the City Ground this Saturday.
Both teams are competing for a top-four finish, with a Champions League spot on the line.
Forest have exceeded expectations this season, currently sitting third in the table with 47 points. On the other hand, Manchester City, despite their usual high standards, are fourth with 47 points.
Ahead of the match, Pep Guardiola addressed the media at the 12:30pm press conference. When asked about Forest being a direct contender for a Champions League place, Guardiola remarked, “There are many clubs fighting for this target. Everyone wants to play in the Champions League next season for various reasons. If we don’t make it, it will be because we haven’t been good enough, and the other teams will have deserved it.”
Team News for Nottingham Forest vs Manchester City
Forest’s main injury concern is backup goalkeeper Carlos Miguel, who is dealing with a hamstring issue. Anderson, Gibbs-White, and Chris Wood could all return to the starting lineup after being rested for Monday’s FA Cup victory over Ipswich Town.
For Manchester City, Nathan Ake will be out for around 11 weeks after undergoing surgery for a fractured foot. Manuel Akanji and John Stones are also sidelined, and Rodri is unlikely to be rushed back after his knee surgery recovery. Oscar Bobb, who returned to training in January, has yet to make a matchday squad due to a setback. However, Erling Haaland is expected to be fit to start against Forest after coming off the bench in their FA Cup win over Plymouth Argyle.
Pep Guardiola’s Praise for Nottingham Forest
Guardiola spoke highly of Forest and singled out four players for special praise: Morgan Gibbs-White, Anthony Elanga, Ola Aina, and Elliott Anderson. He acknowledged the impressive feat of being third in the table after 27 games, calling Forest a strong side. “It’s simple. When you’re third in the table with 11 games left, it’s because you’ve done really, really well. They defend excellently, are compact, aggressive, and their attacking players create a lot of chances,” said Guardiola. “Gibbs-White, Elanga, Aina, and Anderson are exceptional players.”
Saturday, 8th March – Premier League Nottingham Forest vs Manchester City – 13:30
Pep Guardiola says Nottingham Forest have four ‘exceptional’ players in their ranks
