Manchester City face Nottingham Forest as they welcome them to the Etihad Stadium on Thursday afternoon looking to grab another win in their title-defending campaign. The Sky Blues played astoundingly in their 4-2 victory against Crystal Palace in their last fixture, so they will be coming into this match being confident of another victory.
They’ve remained undefeated in the last four Premier League matches and hope to maintain this streak in order to take a good enough lead in the top four places. However, Arsenal remain on top having won all four of their fixtures.
Pep Guardiola will deploy a 4-3-3 formation as usual but he could allow a few players to take rest as he provides those on the bench an opportunity to impress.
4-3-3 Manchester City predicted Line Up Vs Nottingham Forest
Defence
Ederson will operate in between the sticks for Man City as the Brazilian shot-stopper looks to secure a clean sheet after conceding two goals in the previous fixture. John Stones and Ruben Dias are expected to form the centre-half partnership at the heart of City’s backline.
Sergio Gomez could feature in the left-back position after making his debut against the Seagulls last weekend allowing Joao Cancelo to play in his preferred position on the opposite flank. They are expected to stretch the opposition backline and track back into defence when the opponents are on the front foot. Kyle Walker would take the bench hoping to impact the game in the latter half if required.
Midfield
Guardiola’s midfield trio consisting of Bernardo Silva, Rodri and Kevin De Bruyne could be tasked with creating chances in the attacking third and distributing the ball efficiently. The latter will be going deep into the opposition’s backline, whereas Silva looks to efficiently distribute the ball in the centre of the park.
Ilkay Gundogan would probably come on to the match in the second half to create an impact. Kalvin Phillips picked up a shoulder injury in the friendly against Barcelona, so he remains doubtful to feature.
Attack
Erling Haaland will come with confidence in this fixture being the hattrick hero against Crystal Palace as he looks to spearhead the attack in the next clash as well. Phil Foden is expected to rile up the crowd after producing some great displays in the left-wing position, he will fancy his chances of finding the back of the net. Julian Alvarez might get the nod over Riyad Mahrez in his preferred right-wing position, looking to provide support from the wide areas.
Riyad Mahrez might come on in the latter half of the match if required, so he would be taking up the spot on the bench alongside Jack Grealish who could be fully fit to feature.
