Manchester City travel to Nottingham Forest this evening in the Premier League, aiming to secure three points before the final international break of 2026. The Blues come into the match after a 3-2 victory over RB Leipzig in the Champions League, a result that lifted them into the top eight of the league table and strengthened their position for the knockout stages.
Team news and defensive changes
Ahead of the game, Enzo Maresca was asked about Gianluigi Donnarumma's recent run of form. The City boss insisted the goalkeeper was fine and indicated there are no signs he will be dropped at the City Ground.
Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol were left out of the starting line-up in midweek and are expected to return to the side this evening. Marc Guehi continues to be trusted through a difficult patch of form, and his selection for England could provide a timely confidence boost.
Midfield and attack focus
Elliot Anderson is set to be the focus in midfield, making his first return to Forest since his summer move. Maresca may not want to dwell on his price tag, but Anderson has proven his worth so far.
Rayan Cherki should keep his place ahead of Anderson, with City needing the attacking midfielder to unlock the opposition defence as he did against Leipzig. Phil Foden had a quiet game in Germany, and while Maresca has faith in him, he is not afraid to drop him if the team needs it, with that decision making the most sense this weekend.
Jeremy Doku is expected to return on the left flank as City's best winger, with Iliman Ndiaye on the right. Erling Haaland leads the line up front, with no defence able to switch off while he is on the pitch.
Predicted line-up
City's predicted line-up is: Donnarumma; Nunes, Dias, Guehi, Gvardiol; Anderson, Fernandez; Ndiaye, Cherki, Doku; Haaland.
