Nottingham Forest and Manchester City have fought vastly different battles in recent years.
One has clung to Premier League survival, the other has dominated English football. However, when they meet at the City Ground tomorrow, both sides are chasing the same goal – a top-four finish.
Forest’s transformation under Nuno Espirito Santo has been staggering. Last season, they scrambled to stay up. They are now third in the table.
Man City manager Pep Guardiola is not surprised. “When you’re third in the table with 11 games left, it’s because you have done really, really well,” he said. “It’s impressive.”
However, they have hit a rough patch. Since thrashing Brighton & Hove Albion 7-0, they have taken just one point from three league games.
A 2-1 defeat at Fulham and a 4-3 loss to Newcastle United were followed by a goalless draw with Arsenal. The cushion they once had is shrinking.
Man City have had their own struggles. They have played seven league games while inside the top four since November but have taken just one point from them.
Despite that, only Arsenal and Liverpool have picked up more points in 2025.
Guardiola’s side arrive at the City Ground on the back of a 1-0 win at Tottenham Hotspur and a 3-1 FA Cup comeback against Plymouth Argyle.
But their defensive crisis worsened when Nathan Ake underwent foot surgery. “When you have surgery, it’s serious,” Guardiola admitted. “He has struggled a lot this season.”
The lack of fit defenders is a growing concern. A youth centre-back has been drafted into training, highlighting their thin options.
It adds pressure to a team already stretched by relentless expectations. Guardiola downplayed it. “You have to pressure yourself to do your best, no matter what you’re playing for,” he said.
Forest will see this as a chance to prove they belong in the top bracket. Their compact approach has made them difficult to break down at home.
They have occupied different worlds in recent years. They stand as equals tomorrow – at least in the table.
