Manchester City will step onto the Wembley turf this Sunday knowing that the FA Cup represents their final shot at silverware this season. After a year filled with frustrating slip-ups in Europe and the league, Pep Guardiola’s men are determined to end the campaign on a high — but standing in their way are a gritty Nottingham Forest side, who have quietly built a reputation for springing surprises.
Man City have made it to the FA Cup semi-finals for a record seventh consecutive season — an extraordinary run that underlines the standards Guardiola has set. But it’s no secret: nothing less than lifting the trophy will be seen as acceptable at the Etihad after the recent disappointments.
Can Manchester City rediscover their ruthless best at Wembley, or will Forest’s counterattacking threat derail their hopes? Let’s dive in.
Man City eyeing a strong finish to a turbulent season
This isn’t the season City fans envisioned last August.
The treble winners of 2023 have looked a shadow of their dominant selves for large parts of this campaign, with injuries, fatigue, and the cumulative pressure of previous glories catching up.
Their early Champions League exit and Premier League struggles have turned the FA Cup into a must-win.
Pep Guardiola admitted recently that even winning this trophy won’t fully restore City’s aura, but make no mistake — he wants this badly.
Manchester City have won the FA Cup twice under Pep and with Wembley fast becoming their second home in recent years, confidence remains high within the camp.
Team News: Injury headaches for Pep
It wouldn’t be a big matchday this season without a fresh batch of injury concerns for Manchester City.
Erling Haaland is ruled out with an ankle injury, while midfield machine Rodri is sidelined due to a knee knock.
Ederson remains a major doubt after his groin issue, meaning Stefan Ortega is primed to start between the sticks.
John Stones and Nathan Ake continue to work their way back to full fitness and are unavailable.
Meanwhile, Kevin De Bruyne — the orchestrator of City’s best moments — is fit and firing, a huge boost ahead of this semi-final.
Predicted Manchester City Lineup vs Nottingham Forest
Goalkeeper: Stefan Ortega
Defenders: Matheus Nunes (RB), Ruben Dias (CB), Josko Gvardiol (CB), Oscar Bobb (LB)
Midfielders: Bernardo Silva, Mateo Kovacic, Ilkay Gundogan
Attackers: Jeremy Doku, Kevin De Bruyne, Omar Marmoush
Expect Guardiola to tweak things tactically — with De Bruyne playing higher up the pitch to connect the midfield to Marmoush, who has been a revelation since joining City in January.
With Doku’s electric pace and Silva’s tireless work-rate on the flanks, City will look to stretch Forest’s rigid backline and find openings.
Nottingham Forest: Dangerous underdogs
Nottingham Forest have found their identity under Nuno Espírito Santo.
Their FA Cup journey saw them eliminate Brighton on penalties after a dogged defensive performance, and they stunned Tottenham with a 2-1 league win just days ago.
Nuno has turned Forest into a team that sits deep, absorbs pressure, and breaks with devastating speed through the likes of Anthony Elanga and Callum Hudson-Odoi.
City’s full-backs must be razor-sharp because Forest will target spaces left open when Guardiola’s men push forward.
Tactical Battle: Man City patience vs Nottingham Forest pounce
Manchester City will dominate possession — that’s a given.
The key question is whether they can break down a low block without leaving themselves exposed to the counter.
Kevin De Bruyne’s ability to thread impossible passes will be critical, while Jeremy Doku could be the X-factor against Forest’s relatively slow full-backs.
At the other end, Forest will aim to isolate Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol in one-on-one duels against pace merchants like Hudson-Odoi.
Set-pieces could also play a massive role, with Forest looking to exploit City’s aerial vulnerability without Stones and Ake.
Final Verdict
It won’t be the walk in the park many expect. Forest are built for knockout football and have nothing to lose.
Manchester City must be clinical and focused — anything less could invite trouble.
Still, with De Bruyne leading the charge and Doku hitting form at the right time, Guardiola’s men should have just enough to edge past a stubborn Forest side.
Prediction: Nottingham Forest 1-2 Manchester City
