Nottingham Forest enter this challenging fixture with their attacking options severely limited. The absence of Chris Wood places immense pressure on the rest of the squad, who still managed three goals unanswered versus Spurs last time out at home, to find a way past City's defence.
Over 3.5 goals has landed in 38% of Forest's home games this season. Partly down to their poor defensive record (-2 home GD) and high xG (1.72), this paired with Man City's 3.25 average match goals away from home points towards a high scoring affair.
This encounter is shaped by the extensive injury lists of both clubs. While Forest's resolve at home is well-known, Manchester City's superior squad depth is expected to be the decisive factor.
Our AI Predictions for the Match Between Nottingham Forest and Manchester City
To provide you with the most reliable betting insights, we have collated predictions from three leading AI models: ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini. Each model offers a distinct prediction on a key match market, presented as a straightforward bullet point. Their official logos are displayed for clarity, so you can easily see which AI made each call. For those wanting a deeper analysis, you can click to expand each prediction and read the detailed reasoning behind it, revealing how the AI processed data on form, stats, and team news.
BTTS offers value given both sides’ attacking threat. Forest have shown they can score at home, while City’s forward line remains prolific, making a yes on BTTS a prudent angle.
claude
Prediction of AI claude modelManchester City to Win
Claude prioritises the match result market given City’s superior quality and Forest’s mounting injury crisis. Despite City’s own absences, their attacking firepower—led by Haaland and Foden—should prove decisive against a depleted home side missing key forward Wood. Forest’s festive fixture congestion and weakened squad depth make the away win the logical pick.
Gemini prioritises the Over/Under market, identifying potential value in a high-scoring encounter. Manchester City’s formidable attack, spearheaded by Erling Haaland, is expected to exploit Nottingham Forest’s defence. Despite Forest’s own attacking absences, City’s key defensive midfielders and defenders are missing, which could leave them vulnerable at the back and allow the hosts to contribute to the goal tally.
Why we chose the prediction we did from the options that were available to us?
While Manchester City are favourites to win, the best value, in my opinion, is in the goals market. Both teams have significant defensive vulnerabilities due to injuries, and City’s attack is as potent as ever. This sets the stage for a high-scoring match, making Over 3.5 Goals an attractive wager.
Value Bets from Our Algorithm
Our value bets are identified by an advanced algorithm that goes beyond surface-level analysis. It meticulously weighs a multitude of factors, including recent team performance, head-to-head results, underlying stats like expected goals (xG), and crucial team news regarding injuries and suspensions. By comparing these data-driven probabilities against current market odds, the algorithm pinpoints bets that offer genuine value for this Premier League clash.
Forest have the ability to score at home, and with City missing key defensive players like Rodri and John Stones, the hosts are likely to find the net.
Given their overall strength and depth, it is highly improbable that Manchester City will leave the City Ground with a defeat.
Player Focus Bets
Based on recent form and historical data, our top picks for the Anytime Goalscorer market in this match between Nottingham Forest and Manchester City:
Morgan Gibbs-White (Nottingham Forest)
Erling Haaland (Manchester City)
Odds Boosts, Free Bets & Specials for Nottingham Forest vs Manchester City
At BestBettingSites.co.uk, we’re always on the lookout for ways that punters can squeeze a little extra value out of their football bets. Find the latest offers below.
20 Dec 2025 –
Premier LeagueManchester City3 : 0West Ham United
17 Dec 2025 –
EFL CupManchester City2 : 0Brentford
14 Dec 2025 –
Premier LeagueCrystal Palace0 : 3Manchester City
10 Dec 2025 –
Champions LeagueReal Madrid1 : 2Manchester City
06 Dec 2025 –
Premier LeagueManchester City3 : 0Sunderland
02 Dec 2025 –
Premier LeagueFulham4 : 5Manchester City
WINS5
DRAW0
LOSSES1
Average Stats (Last 8 Matches)
18 Total goals
13% BTTS
14 Goals scored
4 Goals conceded
50% Over 2.5
25% Under 2.5
20 Dec 2025 –
Premier LeagueManchester City3 : 0West Ham United
17 Dec 2025 –
EFL CupManchester City2 : 0Brentford
06 Dec 2025 –
Premier LeagueManchester City3 : 0Sunderland
29 Nov 2025 –
Premier LeagueManchester City3 : 2Leeds United
25 Nov 2025 –
Champions LeagueManchester City0 : 2Bayer Leverkusen
09 Nov 2025 –
Premier LeagueManchester City3 : 0Liverpool
WINS4
DRAW0
LOSSES2
Average Stats (Last 6 Matches)
23 Total goals
67% BTTS
14 Goals scored
9 Goals conceded
83% Over 2.5
17% Under 2.5
14 Dec 2025 –
Premier LeagueCrystal Palace0 : 3Manchester City
10 Dec 2025 –
Champions LeagueReal Madrid1 : 2Manchester City
02 Dec 2025 –
Premier LeagueFulham4 : 5Manchester City
22 Nov 2025 –
Premier LeagueNewcastle United2 : 1Manchester City
29 Oct 2025 –
EFL CupSwansea City1 : 3Manchester City
26 Oct 2025 –
Premier LeagueAston Villa1 : 0Manchester City
Starting XI
4-2-3-1
Possible Lineup
25 Donnarumma
33 O'Reilly
24 Gvardiol
3Rúben Dias
27 Nunes
14 Nico
4 Reijnders
10 Cherki
20Bernardo Silva
47Phil Foden
9Erling Haaland
Substitutes
1Trafford
82Rico Lewis
6Nathan Aké
26Savinho
45Khusanov
Suspension
None reported
Injured
1Rodri Knee injury
2Oscar Bobb Leg injury
3Mateo Kovačić Ankle injury
4John Stones Muscle injury
5Jérémy Doku Leg injury
Note: Official lineups are typically confirmed 60 minutes before kick-off. These predictions are based on the latest team news and recent selections.
Nottingham Forest vs Manchester City Head-to-Head Record
27 Apr 2025 –
FA CupNottingham Forest0 : 2Manchester City
08 Mar 2025 –
Premier LeagueNottingham Forest1 : 0Manchester City
04 Dec 2024 –
Premier LeagueManchester City3 : 0Nottingham Forest
28 Apr 2024 –
Premier LeagueNottingham Forest0 : 2Manchester City
23 Sep 2023 –
Premier LeagueManchester City2 : 0Nottingham Forest
18 Feb 2023 –
Premier LeagueNottingham Forest1 : 1Manchester City
31 Aug 2022 –
Premier LeagueManchester City6 : 0Nottingham Forest
League Games at Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest
Manchester City
Goals: Scored25
Games: Scored2/43/4
Clean Sheets1/42/4
League Games at Manchester City
Nottingham Forest
Manchester City
Goals: Scored011
Games: Scored2/33/3
Clean Sheets0/33/3
Current Best Betting Odds for Nottingham Forest vs Manchester City
When it comes to betting on this Premier League fixture, getting the best odds can make all the difference to your returns. Below, we’ve compared the top prices available from trusted betting sites for the upcoming clash between Nottingham Forest and Manchester City.
Nottingham Forest vs Manchester City Bet Builder Suggestions
For those looking beyond the obvious outcomes in their football betting predictions, we’ve highlighted a few long shot bet builders for the Nottingham Forest vs Manchester City clash. These are a great way to combine different markets into one high-odds selection.
Here are some long-shot Bet Builder ideas for the Nottingham Forest vs Manchester City clash:
Nottingham Forest to Win + Over 2.5 Goals + Both Teams to Score (Combined odds: 15/2+)
Manchester City to Score First + Nottingham Forest to Win + Over 3.5 Goals (Combined odds: 11/1+)
Draw at Half-Time + Nottingham Forest to Win + BTTS (Combined odds: 14/1+)
Quick Betting Angles
These Quick Betting Angles cut through the noise and turn stats into actionable insights for Nottingham Forest vs Manchester City on 27 December 2025 at 12:30 PM.
Betting Angle (Both Teams to Score): Both teams are expected to score in this fixture. Nottingham Forest will look to exploit a Manchester City defence weakened by the absence of Rodri and John Stones. Forest score an average of 1.38 goals a game while City currently score 2 goals per game on their travels, only keeping a clean sheet in 38% of those matches.
Betting Angle (Total Goals): A high-scoring affair with over 3.5 goals is anticipated. Both these teams matches average 3.13 goals, compared to a league average of 2.83.
Betting Angle (Away Advantage): Nottingham Forest’s home advantage is significantly undermined by their extensive injury list, particularly in attack, which will reduce their ability to effectively pressure Manchester City’s defence.
Match Information:
Competition: Premier League
Stage: Premier League
Kick-off: 27 December 2025 at 12:30 PM
Sport: Soccer
Where to Watch Nottingham Forest vs Manchester City
TV channel:
Coverage is available on TNT Sports.
Online streaming:
Live streaming is available on the TNT Sports app.
Free highlights:
Highlights will be available via TNT Sports after the match and condensed highlights available on Match of the Day on BBC.
