If you think the matchup between Nottingham Forest vs Man City is just a foregone conclusion for the sky-blue side of Manchester, you haven't been paying attention lately. Honestly, it’s one of those fixtures that looks like a David vs. Goliath mismatch on paper, but the actual 90 minutes often tell a completely different story. The City Ground has this weird way of turning into a bear pit when the big teams visit.
It’s about more than just three points.
Why the Forest vs Man City Rivalry Still Matters
Most people look at the history books and see a massive gap. Sure, Manchester City has the billions and the trophy cabinet to prove it. But Forest? They have the history of those two European Cups and a fan base that genuinely believes they belong at the top table.
Kinda makes for a spicy atmosphere, doesn't it?
In their most recent clash on December 27, 2025, we saw exactly why this isn't a walk in the park for Pep Guardiola. City eventually walked away with a 2-1 win, but they had to sweat for it. Rayan Cherki, who has been absolutely electric this season, had to pull out an 83rd-minute winner just to save City's blushes.
Forest, under Sean Dyche, have become a nightmare to break down. They basically sit in a low block, wait for a mistake, and then unleash players like Callum Hudson-Odoi and Morgan Gibbs-White. It’s simple, but it works. In that December game, Omari Hutchinson found an equalizer in the 54th minute that had the City Ground rocking. For a good half-hour there, it looked like City were going to drop points in the title race.
The Cherki Factor and City's New Look
Manchester City in 2026 isn't quite the same machine it was a few years ago. We’re seeing new names take the lead. While Erling Haaland is still the physical freak everyone fears, it’s players like Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki who are pulling the strings now.
In that late-December fixture, Reijnders opened the scoring just after half-time. It was a classic City goal—death by a thousand passes before a sharp finish. But the real story was Cherki. He’s become the go-to guy when things get tight. His winner was a low, driven volley that somehow found its way through a forest of legs.
City dominated the ball with 66% possession. They usually do. But Forest's 34% felt dangerous. They had 5 corners—the same as City—which tells you they were putting the ball in the mixer and causing chaos for Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol.
What Really Happened With the Head-to-Head
If you look at the all-time record, it’s closer than you’d think. Out of 108 meetings, City has won 46 and Forest has taken 34. There have been 28 draws.
- Biggest Man City Win: 6-0 in August 2022 (The Haaland hat-trick game).
- Biggest Forest Win: 4-0 back in 1958.
- Recent Trend: City has taken 16 points from their last seven league meetings since Forest returned to the Premier League in 2022.
However, Forest actually beat City 1-0 in March 2025. People forget that. They managed to shut out the most expensive attack in the world and nicked a goal to send the City Ground into a frenzy. It’s that unpredictability that makes Forest vs Man City such a fascinating watch for neutrals.
The Elliot Anderson Drama
There’s a massive sub-plot brewing right now that’s going to make the next meeting even more intense. Rumors are flying—well, more than rumors, actually—that City has made direct contact with Elliot Anderson's representatives.
The 23-year-old England international has been the heart of Forest's midfield. Pep Guardiola is reportedly a huge admirer, seeing him as the perfect "number 8" for his system. With a valuation between £80m and £100m, this is a business move that could leave Forest fans feeling a bit bitter.
Imagine being a Forest fan and seeing your best midfielder linked with the team you're trying to take points from. It adds a layer of "us against the world" mentality that Sean Dyche absolutely loves to lean into.
Tactical Breakdown: How Forest Holds the Line
Sean Dyche doesn't care about "pretty" football. He cares about "effective" football. Against City, Forest usually lines up in a rigid 4-2-3-1.
- The Low Block: They condense the space between the midfield and defense, making it impossible for Phil Foden or Cherki to find those little pockets of space.
- The Target Man: Igor Jesus has been filling in for the injured Chris Wood. His hold-up play is vital. If he can't keep the ball for five seconds, the pressure on the defense never lets up.
- Set-Piece Chaos: Forest knows they won't out-pass City. They rely on corners and long throws. It’s the "Old School" Premier League way, and it still rattles the best teams.
In the 2-1 loss, Forest's goalkeeper, John Victor, was the reason the scoreline stayed respectable. He made a string of saves, including a massive one against Phil Foden. If your keeper is having a worldie, you’ve always got a chance.
The Current Standings (January 2026)
Right now, the stakes couldn't be more different for these two.
City is locked in a brutal title race with Arsenal. They briefly went top after beating Forest in December, but they're currently sitting 2nd, just a few points off the Gunners. Every single game is a "must-win" for them. One slip-up at a place like the City Ground, and the title could vanish.
Forest? They’re 17th. They’re fighting for their lives. They have 21 points from 21 games, hovering just above the relegation zone. For them, a draw against City feels like a win. It’s about survival.
Actionable Insights for the Next Matchup
If you're looking at the next time these two face off—scheduled for March 4, 2026, at the Etihad—here is what you need to keep an eye on:
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- Watch the Wing-Backs: City’s Josko Gvardiol is basically a winger at this point. If Neco Williams can catch him out of position on the counter, Forest will get chances.
- The First 15 Minutes: City tries to kill games early. If Forest can survive the initial onslaught without conceding, the crowd at the Etihad starts to get nervous, and that’s when City makes mistakes.
- Monitor the Injury Report: Forest is missing Chris Wood, which is a massive blow to their "Plan A." If he’s back by March, their attacking threat doubles.
- Transfer Noise: If the Elliot Anderson deal starts moving in January, the atmosphere in the next game will be toxic in the best possible way.
Don't bet against Forest making it ugly. They thrive in the dirt. City might have the flair, but Forest has the grit, and in the Premier League, grit sometimes beats talent.
Keep an eye on the official Premier League injury updates and the pre-match press conferences from Guardiola and Dyche. Those usually give away more about the tactical plan than the starting lineups themselves.