Nottingham Forest are preparing to host Manchester City in Saturday’s Premier League encounter at the City Ground.
The Reds and the Citizens are both vying for a spot in the Premier League’s top four, with Champions League qualification up for grabs.
Nottingham Forest have been exceeding expectations this season, and currently sit third in the table on 47 points.
Meanwhile, Manchester City have been below the standards they’ve set in recent years, and are currently fourth on 47 points.
Pep Guardiola, speaking to the press ahead of Saturday’s 12:30pm kick-off, spoke highly of Forest and named four Reds players he rates highly.
Pep Guardiola praises Morgan Gibbs-White, Anthony Elanga, Ola Aina and Elliott Anderson
Guardiola said any team that sits third in the table after 27 games is clearly a good side as he praised Forest’s defending, compactness and tenacity.
The Man City boss also praised Forest quartet Morgan Gibbs-White, Anthony Elanga, Ola Aina and Elliot Anderson.
“It is quite simple. When you’re third in the table with 11 games left it is because you have done really, really well. It’s impressive,” said Guardiola.
“They defend really well, are compact and aggressive. The players up front create many things.
“Morgan Gibbs-White, Anthony Elanga are exceptional players. Ola Aina is an exceptional player. He can play on both sides. Elliott Anderson is physical and a top player as well.”
On the subject of Forest being a direct threat to City for a Champions League spot, Guardiola said: “There are many different clubs fighting for this target.
“Everyone wants to be in the Champions League next season for many reasons.
“If it doesn’t happen for us then it’s because we haven’t been good enough and the other teams deserve it.”
Nottingham Forest v Manchester City team news
Forest’s main injury issue at present is back-up goalkeeper Carlos Miguel, who has a hamstring problem.
Anderson, Gibbs-White and Chris Wood could all come back into the starting XI, having been rested for Monday’s FA Cup win over Ipswich Town.
Meanwhile Man City will be without Nathan Ake, who is set to be out for 11 weeks after undergoing surgery on a fractured foot.
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Manuel Akanji and John Stones are also on the sidelines, while Rodri is unlikely to be rushed back after stepping up his return from knee surgery.
Oscar Bobb returned to training in January but has still not made a matchday squad after suffering a setback.
Erling Haaland should be fit to start against Forest after coming off the bench in their FA Cup win over Plymouth Argyle.
