Nottingham Forest vs Manchester City prediction, betting tips and odds: Tenacious Tricky Trees could be tough to pass

Where to watch Nottingham Forest vs Manchester City

You can watch Nottingham Forest vs Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-final at 4.30pm on Sunday, April 27, live on ITV1

Match prediction & best bet

Nottingham Forest or draw double chance
2pts 11-10 BoyleSports

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Nottingham Forest vs Manchester City odds

Here are the latest odds ahead of Nottingham Forest vs Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-final on Sunday, April 27

Odds correct at time of publishing

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Nottingham Forest vs Manchester City predictions

The consensus seems to be that Manchester City are just going to turn up and win the FA Cup in what is their last opportunity to claim some silverware this season, but semi-final opponents Nottingham Forest may prove a tough nut to crack at Wembley.

City’s drop-off this term was unforeseen given they won last season’s Premier League title with 91 points, finished runners-up to rivals Manchester United in the FA Cup final and also made the last eight of the Champions League.

Pep Guardiola’s side, with the help of some January reinforcements, have rallied to put themselves back in a commanding position for a top-five finish in the Premier League, but they still need to lift the FA Cup if they are to salvage something from a sorry season.

City have established themselves as a force in the FA Cup and are featuring in their seventh consecutive semi-final, but it is easy to pick holes in their recent upturn in form.

The Citizens have won four of their last five top-flight matches, although the first of those victories came at home to Championship-bound Leicester before they were held to a goalless draw at United.

Guardiola’s side fell two goals down in their 5-2 win at home to Palace, who had a third goal ruled out by a close call, while they had been thwarted at Everton until they struck twice in the final six minutes to claim maximum points..

Even last time out at home to Aston Villa, City required a 94th-minute winner from Matheus Nunes, and they also needed to come from behind to record a 2-1 success at Bournemouth in their quarter-final.

Before going on a seven-game unbeaten run, City were beaten in a 1-0 defeat in the league at Nottingham Forest, where they managed only three shots on target, and it is easy to see them being frustrated again, especially in the continued absence of Erling Haaland.

So, while City could turn on the style, odds-on quotes are a little flattering given the season they have endured while they have won only six of their last 20 matches away from the Etihad.

This is Forest’s first FA Cup semi-final appearance for more than 30 years but they are having a campaign to remember and Monday’s 2-1 victory at Tottenham got their top-five aspirations back on track following defeats to Aston Villa and Everton.

Strong defensive foundations, while utilising their pace on the counter-attack, has been Forest’s platform to success and that combination makes them a threat to City, who are expected to dominate possession.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s side have taken four points from Liverpool, completed doubles over United and Tottenham, while also defeating City and Villa and holding Arsenal at home this season and have more than shown their big-match mentality.

City, who would love to be able to call upon three of their most influential assets in Ederson, Rodri and Haaland, may not warrant being so short to triumph in 90 minutes.

Key stat

Nottingham Forest have progressed via penalties in the last three rounds of the FA Cup.

Nottingham Forest vs Manchester City team news

Nottingham Forest
Ryan Yates and Neco Williams are suspended while Jota Silva is missing through injury. Ola Aina faces a fitness test.

Manchester City
Erling Haaland, Rodri, Nathan Ake, Oscar Bobb and John Stones remain sidelined while the match is expected to come too soon for Ederson. James McAtee is suspended.

Probable teams

Nottingham Forest (4-2-3-1): Sels; Aina, Milenkovic, Murillo, Toffolo; Dominguez, Anderson; Elanga, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi; Wood.
Subs: Danilo, Awoniyi, Sosa, Moreno, Morato, Sangare. Boly.

Manchester City (4-2-3-1): Ortega; Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, O'Reilly; Kovacic, Gundogan; Silva, Marmoush, Savinho; De Bruyne.
Subs: Doku, Akanji, Foden, Grealish, Khusanov, Lewis, Nico.

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Nottingham Forest vs Manchester City Bet Builder player stats

Stats refer to league games only; does not include unavailable players

Nottingham Forest vs Manchester City bet builder predictions

Under 3.5 goals
Only one of Forest's last nine matches have featured four or more goals and they are likely to rely on their defensive discipline for any success.

Murillo to have one or more shots
Forest's Brazilian centre-back has had 20 shots in the Premier League this season and may opt to let rip from distance in a game where City dominate possession.

Harry Toffolo to be shown a card
The full-back started his first league game of the season in Monday's win at Tottenham and was booked. Suspension to Neco Williams means he should start again and being rusty against City's talented attack could lead to a card.

Pays out at 15-2 with bet365

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