FA Cup Semi-Final: Nottingham Forest vs Manchester City Preview, Team News, & Predictions

The second FA Cup semi-final at Wembley Stadium this weekend will feature the runners-up from last season, Manchester City, who will take on Nottingham Forest on Sunday, April 27.

In the two matches between the clubs so far this season, Pep Guardiola’s men had the upper hand at home as goals from Bernardo Silva, Kevin de Bruyne, and Jeremy Doku sealed a 3-0 win for the Cityzens. Three months from the 3-0 defeat, Forest made a point at the City Ground by not only disallowing a double for the defending champions but trumping them 1-0 courtesy of an 84th-minute goal from Callum Hudson-Odoi.

Learn more about the odds, team news, picks, and predictions for the thrilling FA Cup semi-final between Nottingham Forest and Manchester City:

Where to watch Nottingham Forest vs Manchester City (FA Cup Semi-Final)

Here is when and where to watch the clash between Nottingham Forest and Manchester City:

Date: 04/27

Time: 11:30 am ET

Location: Wembley Stadium, London

Where to watch: The match can be watched on ESPN+ in the USA

FA Cup Semi-Final Preview: Nottingham Forest vs Manchester City

The semi-final on Sunday would be Nottingham Forest’s first appearance in the semi-final of the cup competition since the 1990-91 season and there are ominous signs for Guardiola’s men who would be wary of City’s record against Forest in the FA Cup, losing four of their last five meetings including a 3-0 defeat in the 2008-09 season.

Nottingham Forest

Nuno Espirito Santo has cast a magical spell on the club that was one of the favorites for relegation, but the Tricky Trees defied all expectations as they are now in a prime position to finish third in the Premier League and could also win the FA Cup if they could grab two more wins in the competition. Forest have also proven to be a formidable side in the FA Cup this season as they have swatted aside the likes of Luton Town, Exeter City, Ipswich Town, and Brighton & Hove Albion before setting up their biggest test so far in defending PL champions Manchester City.

Ola Aina and Jota Silva are the two major concerns for Nuno’s men, and the manager wouldn’t risk rushing back either of the duo, considering they have a crucial run-in for the Premier League season, which could decide whether they will be playing in the Champions League next season or not.

Predicted Starting XI (4-2-3-1): Sels; Williams, Milenkovic, Murillo, Morato; Dominguez, Danilo; Hudson-Odoi, Gibbs-White, Elanga; Wood

Manchester City

City have had a very unfortunate season as they missed midfield lynchpin Rodri to an ACL injury and struggled in both the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League, but Guardiola still has a chance to win a trophy this season in the form of the FA Cup. So far, City has defeated Salford City 8-0, Leyton Orient 2-1, Plymouth Argyle 3-1, and Bournemouth 2-1 to reserve their spot in the semis.

Manuel Akanji continues his recovery from a long-term injury, and the form of Matheus Nunes might allow the Switzerland international another full day of rest. Ederson, Nathan Ake, and Oscar Bobb are undergoing rehabilitation for their respective injuries, and it looks unlikely that any of the aforementioned trio will take part in the domestic season ending in May. The duo of Erling Haaland and John Stones continue to nurse their respective injuries but would love to feature in the final for the third consecutive season if City can overcome Forest on Sunday.

Predicted Starting XI (4-2-3-1): Ortega; Nunes, Dias, Gvardio, O’Reilly; Kovacic, Gundagon; Silva, De Bruyne, Doku; Marmoush

Nottingham Forest vs Manchester City Under/Over Predictions

The Playoffs aim to facilitate the safest bets for the game. Have a look at the predictions for the game below.

Total goals Over 2.5 @ -125 (MGM Bet): With quality playmakers like Bernardo Silva, Kevin De Bruyne, Morgan Gibbs-White, and Callum Hudson-Odoi on show, one can expect several goals from both teams in the high-profile clash on Sunday.

Nottingham Forest vs Manchester City Player Picks (FA Cup Semi-Final)

Omar Marmoush (To Score a Goal @ +155 as per MGM Bet): In the absence of their leading goalscorer in the 2024-25 season, Omar Marmoush has filled in as the No.9 for Manchester City. The Egyptian forward has scored 27 goals in the ongoing season, with 7 of those goals netted for the Cityzens since his transfer in the January transfer window.

Nottingham Forest vs Manchester City Prediction (FA Cup Semi-Final)

Both Forest and City are prime contenders to win the FA Cup and while it would add just another trophy in City’s cabinet, Nottingham Forest hasn’t won a trophy since 1990, and their first trophy in 35 years would certainly add a feather in Nuno’s cap.

Our Final Prediction: A 2-1 win for Manchester City should propel the Manchester-based club to a third consecutive final in the FA Cup.

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Mohak Arora

A stand-up comedian and a sports journalist with speciality in writing prediction pieces and features on football, cricket, and badminton. Over the last few years, I have contributed pieces to iGaming giants like Parimatch, 1X News, and Melbet.