Nottingham Forest vs. Manchester City Tips and Odds – 27/04/2025

• Fixture: Nottingham Forest vs Manchester City (FA Cup Semi-Final)
• Date: Sunday, 27 April 2025
• Venue: Wembley Stadium, London

Match Preview

The FA Cup semi-final at Wembley promises a thrilling encounter as Nottingham Forest face Manchester City, with both sides eyeing a place in the final. Forest, enjoying a resurgence under Nuno Espírito Santo, come into this clash high on confidence after a gritty 2-1 away win at Tottenham Hotspur, a result that propelled them back into the Premier League’s top four. Chris Wood’s 19th league goal of the season and Elliot Anderson’s early strike proved decisive, as Forest weathered a late Spurs onslaught to secure all three points.

Manchester City, meanwhile, are in solid form, unbeaten in their last seven matches across all competitions. Their most recent outing saw them edge Aston Villa 2-1, with Matheus Nunes playing a starring role. Prior to that, City dispatched Everton 2-0, scoring twice late on to keep their Champions League qualification hopes alive. However, City’s last defeat came at the hands of Forest in early March, adding an extra layer of intrigue to this fixture.

Injuries are a significant talking point ahead of Sunday’s showdown. Forest are monitoring the fitness of key attackers Taiwo Awoniyi and Anthony Elanga, both of whom have been dealing with recent knocks, though Chris Wood has returned to fitness at a crucial time. For City, the situation is even more concerning: Rodri, Erling Haaland, Nathan Aké, John Stones, and first-choice goalkeeper Ederson are all sidelined, while Oscar Bobb has suffered another minor setback. These absences could force Pep Guardiola into some tactical reshuffling, particularly in midfield and defence.

Historically, City have had the upper hand in this fixture, winning four of the last five meetings, but Forest’s recent victory will give them belief. Both teams have shown attacking intent in recent matches, with Forest’s last three games seeing both teams score, and City’s firepower—despite injuries—still a threat through the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and Phil Foden. The big stage of Wembley, combined with the stakes of an FA Cup final berth, should ensure a fiercely contested battle.

Key Players

• Nottingham Forest:
  • Chris Wood – The New Zealand striker is in the form of his career, scoring 19 league goals this season and proving a constant aerial threat.
  • Morgan Gibbs-White – Forest’s creative heartbeat, capable of unlocking defences with his passing and movement.
  • Elliot Anderson – Scored in the recent win at Spurs and has added dynamism to Forest’s midfield.
• Manchester City:
  • Kevin De Bruyne – The captain and creative engine, De Bruyne’s vision and set-piece ability are vital, especially with Haaland absent.
  • Phil Foden – City’s top scorer in Haaland’s absence, Foden’s dribbling and finishing can change games.
  • Matheus Nunes – In good form, recently scored against Aston Villa and offers energy in midfield.

Prediction

Given Manchester City’s injury woes and Forest’s momentum, this semi-final could be closer than many expect. City’s squad depth and big-game experience make them favourites, but Forest’s resilience and attacking threat—especially if Wood and Gibbs-White are fit—should not be underestimated. Expect both teams to score, with City’s quality just edging them into the final.

Predicted Score: Nottingham Forest 1-2 Manchester City.

Betting Markets & Odds

Odds are approximate and may vary. Please check the linked site for the latest prices.

Expect a classic FA Cup battle at Wembley, with drama, goals, and a place in the final on the line!