Nottingham Forest vs Manchester City: Title-Chasing Citizens Eye Victory at the City Ground

Premier League Title Race Intensifies

Nottingham Forest are going head to head with Manchester City on 27 December 2025 at the City Ground stadium in a Premier League clash that could have significant implications for the title race. Manchester City have strung together five consecutive league victories to climb their way back into second place, just two points off the league-leaders, making this match crucial for their championship aspirations.

Manchester City’s Remarkable Form

Manchester City have won seven consecutive matches in all competitions, showcasing the kind of dominant form that has defined Pep Guardiola’s era at the club. Guardiola’s men have conceded just one goal in their last five matches, racking up clean sheets against Sunderland, Crystal Palace, Brentford and West Ham. The Citizens are hungry for three points that would temporarily put them top of the Premier League standings before Arsenal play later in the day.

Manchester City claimed a 3-0 triumph against West Ham United at Etihad Stadium making it five straight Premier League wins, with Erling Haaland scoring twice and Tijjani Reijnders also finding the net. This attacking prowess will pose a serious threat to Forest’s defence.

Forest’s Challenging Position

Nottingham Forest head into Saturday’s game having won six of their previous nine games across all competitions, including a sensational 3-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur a fortnight ago, however Forest delivered a lacklustre performance in their 1-0 defeat away at Fulham keeping them just one spot above the bottom three. Currently, Nottingham Forest rank 17th, while Manchester City hold 2nd position, highlighting the gulf in class between the two sides.

Despite their precarious league position, Forest have shown they can compete against top opposition this season. Things are looking up with a run of 4W-1D-3L under new head coach Sean Dyche, who took over when Forest had just five points after firing two managers in the first eight games.

Head-to-Head and Match Significance

Manchester City have won five of the last seven meetings between the sides and have outscored Forest 16–2 across those seven matches. The last meeting saw Manchester City beat Nottingham Forest 2-0 at Wembley Stadium in the FA Cup semifinal with goals from Rico Lewis and Josko Gvardiol.

For Manchester City, victory would maintain their momentum in the title race and demonstrate their credentials as they chase down Arsenal. For Nottingham Forest, any points would be invaluable in their fight for Premier League survival. The match kicks off at 12:30 p.m. GMT on Saturday, December 27, representing the final fixture of 2025 for both clubs.

With City’s exceptional form and Forest’s struggles against top opposition, the visitors are overwhelming favourites. However, football has a history of surprises, and Forest will be desperate to end their year on a high note in front of their home supporters at the City Ground.