Both clubs enter the Saturday showdown with very different agendas – City need three points to stop a slide, while Forest hope a draw will feel like a victory.
Key points
- A win would halt City’s early‑season slide and keep them within striking distance of the league leaders.
- Forest’s poor home record and injury list make a victory unlikely, but a draw could provide a morale boost.
- Erling Haaland’s proven scoring history against Forest makes him the player most likely to decide the outcome.
Manchester City travel to the City Ground on Nov. 7 seeking to snap a two‑match Premier League losing streak that saw them fall behind title rivals after defeats to Aston Villa and Brighton & Hove Albion, according to a Sports Illustrated preview.
The English champions entered the weekend fresh from a 3‑2 Champions League win over RB Leipzig, a match that highlighted both their attacking firepower – led by league top scorer Erling Haaland – and lingering defensive disorganisation that has left them without a clean sheet in seven league games.
Recent form of both sides
Nottingham Forest sit in the relegation zone with just six points from nine fixtures and have managed only one point at home this season, the preview notes. Injuries further hamper their chances: Nicolás Domínguez is out for up to eight weeks, while Igor Jesus has returned to training but remains a question‑mark, and Nicolò Savona is unlikely to feature.
Historically, City have dominated the recent meetings, losing only once since Forest’s promotion in 2022. The preview predicts a 2‑1 win for Manchester City, citing Haaland’s record of five goals in eight appearances against Forest as a potential match‑winner.
Key injuries and predicted line‑ups
Predicted line‑ups feature City without Antoine Semenyo (knee injury) and likely fielding Joško Gvardiol, Rúben Dias, Jérémy Doku and Haaland in a 4‑2‑3‑1. Forest’s expected 3‑4‑2‑1 includes James McAtee and Liam Delap up front, with the midfield anchored by McAtee, Schlager and Williams.
Reader questions
What time does the Nottingham Forest vs Manchester City match start?
Kick‑off is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. GMT (12:30 p.m. ET / 9:30 a.m. PT) on Saturday, Nov. 7.
Where can I watch the game live?
In the United States the match is available on NBC, fuboTV, Peacock and Telemundo; in the United Kingdom it will be shown on Sky Sports Main Event and related Sky channels.
Who are the likely starters for each side?
City are expected to line up Donnarumma; Nunes, Dias, Guéhi, Gvardiol; Anderson, Fernández; Ndiaye, Cherki, Doku; Haaland. Forest’s predicted eleven includes Sels; Cunha, Milenković, Murillo; Muñoz, McAtee, Schlager, Williams; Ndoye, Gibbs‑White; Delap.
Source: si.com
