By Graham Ruthven
History beckons
No matter what happens over the final few weeks of the season, the 2024/25 campaign has been a memorable one for Nottingham Forest. Sunday’s match, however, could make it legendary.
The City Ground outfit are just one win away from their first FA Cup final in over three decades. Nuno Espírito Santo’s team have already beaten Manchester City once this season. Another victory over the same opponents would arguably be Forest’s biggest single result in a generation.
City won’t remember this season fondly, no matter what happens at Wembley this weekend. Nonetheless, winning the FA Cup would at least be something for Pep Guardiola and his players to celebrate.
Last season’s surprise defeat to Manchester United might still be lingering in the minds of the City squad and so this is an opportunity for redemption, especially after a season which has caused many to question the Citizens.
Key players
Few could have predicted that Chris Wood would become one of the most potent centre forwards in English football this season, but the numbers speak for themselves. Indeed, the 33-year-old has scored 19 league goals and will lead the line against City.
Elliot Anderson will be important to giving Forest dynamism through the centre of the pitch. If Nuno’s team are to counter attack effectively, they’ll need the former Newcastle midfielder to act as a valve.
Nikola Milenković and Murillo will need to be at their defensive best to keep City’s forward line at arm’s length, as will Matz Sels in between the posts.
Kevin De Bruyne could start in an advanced position once again with Omar Marmoush the attacker who will give Manchester City some verticality. The Egyptian has scored three goals in his last six games.
Nico O’Reilly and Matheus Nunes could be key to Guardiola’s game plan. They have been pushed into central midfield from the full back areas in recent weeks and this ploy could give City control of the match, certainly in terms of possession.
Team news
Ola Aina is Nottingham Forest’s biggest absentee. The right back has been a big miss in recent weeks and could force Nuno to start Neco Williams in his place with Àlex Moreno at left back.
Nuno also faces a decision over his attacking lineup with Callum Hudson-Odoi potentially a casualty of Forest’s need to have more defensive organisation against the ball in the centre of the pitch.
Erling Haaland and Rodri remain sidelined for Manchester City while Nathan Aké and John Stones are also injured and will miss the rest of the season including Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final at the national stadium.
Ederson is another absentee for City, meaning Stefan Ortega will start. Manuel Akanji has featured from the bench in his last two games following injury and could receive more game time this weekend.
Prediction
This is a big occasion for Forest, the 12th visit to Wembley in their history, and only their second since the famous old stadium was rebuilt. So perhaps City’s greater experience on the big stage will see them qualify for a third straight FA Cup final: Nottingham Forest 1-2 Man City.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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