Football
FA Cup: Nottingham Forest vs Manchester City Preview: Odds, Tips and Prediction
Date: April 27, 2025 Venue: Wembley Stadium Kickoff Time: 17:30 The time has come as seven-time winners Manchester City will be aiming to reach a third consecutive final when they face an unpredictable Nottingham Forest at the iconic Wembley Stadium. City is the only team in the semi-final with any recent record of success in the oldest national football competition in the world. Forest last got to the final in 1991 and has not won any trophy since 1959, which makes this an incredible milestone for this club to not only be in the last four but also to be two matches away from ending their long wait for silverware.
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Nottingham Forest FC v Manchester City FC - Premier League//Getty Images
Historically, Manchester City has had the upper hand in recent encounters with Nottingham Forest. However, Forest's resilience and ability to perform under pressure make them a formidable opponent. Their last few meetings have been closely contested, with Forest managing to secure a 1-0 win against City earlier this season. For those looking to cash in, be sure to check out the best football betting sites.
The stage is set for an electrifying FA Cup semi-final clash between Nottingham Forest and Manchester City at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, April 27, 2025. This match promises to be a thrilling encounter as both teams vie for a coveted spot in the final. SportsBoom previews this highly anticipated encounter, with both teams having much at stake.
Pre-Game Odds & Win Probability
HOME: 18/5 (4.60) – 21.7%
DRAW: 57/20 (3.85) – 26.0%
AWAY: 3/4 (1.75) – 57.1%
Odds courtesy of Betway, subject to change.
Head-To-Head Record
Last five meetings (Premier League)
08/03/2025: Nottingham 1-0 Man City
04/12/2024: Man City 3-0 Nottingham
28/04/2024: Nottingham 0-2 Man City
23/09/2023: Man City 2-0 Nottingham
18/02/2023: Nottingham 1-1 Man City
Nottingham Forest Current Form – WWWW
Nottingham Forest, under the guidance of Nuno Espirito Santo, have had a remarkable season. Their journey to the semi-finals has been nothing short of dramatic, with victories over former Premier League outfit Luton Town, Exeter City, Ipswich Town, and Brighton, often relying on penalty shootouts to progress. A win here would not only propel them to their first FA Cup final since 1991 but also solidify their status as a rising force in English football like it once was.
A loss, however, would mean the end of their FA Cup dreams for this season, though it still wouldn’t overshadow their impressive 2024-25 campaign. A draw would lead to a replay, adding an extra tough fixture to the list, with the remaining fixtures already proving to be a tough challenge in the run-in and a qualifying spot for a chance to play in Europe next season.
Key Players To Watch
- Anthony Elanga: Elanga's blistering pace is one of his most notable attributes. He uses his speed to stretch defences and exploit spaces behind the opposition's backline. He is adept at making well-timed runs to receive the ball, often moving away from his marker to create space. His ability to read the game and make intelligent decisions on the pitch makes him a valuable asset to his team.
- Callum Hudson-Odoi: Hudson-Odoi's playing style combines the flair of a traditional winger with the tactical intelligence and versatility required in modern football. His ability to influence the game both offensively and defensively makes him a well-rounded and exciting player to watch.
- Morgan Gibbs-White: Gibbs-White's playing style is a blend of technical excellence, creativity, and hard work, making him a well-rounded and influential player for Nottingham Forest. He is comfortable playing in various attacking roles, including as a central attacking midfielder, a winger, or even a deeper-lying playmaker. His creativity and vision in the final third are crucial for breaking down stubborn defences.
Nottingham Forest Team News
Ola Aina (calf injury) and Taiwo Awoniyi (hamstring injury) could make their way back to the lineup after recovering from their respective injuries. This is good news for Nottingham as they will need every player if they want to finish off the season strong.
Manchester City Current Form – WWWW
For Manchester City, this match is crucial and a must-win FA Cup tie. Pep Guardiola, known as a serial winner and master of his craft, is aiming for their eighth FA Cup trophy and their third under his leadership. City have had a relatively smooth path to the semi-finals, defeating Salford City, Leyton Orient, Plymouth Argyle, and Bournemouth last time out. A victory would keep their hopes of securing silverware alive, especially after a challenging Premier League season where they are battling for a top-four finish and for a club that has become accustomed to winning trophies.
That said, a loss would be a significant blow, potentially marking a trophyless season for the club, which would be a rare occurrence under Guardiola’s tenure. A draw would mean an additional match, adding to their already demanding fixture list, which could affect their league and European commitments.
Key Players To Watch
- Omar Marmoush: Marmoush is an explosive and versatile forward known for his speed, technical skills, and goal-scoring ability. He uses his acceleration to drive at defences, making him a constant threat on the counterattack. His dribbling skills, combined with his speed, make him a formidable opponent in one-on-one situations. With his sharp eye for goal, clinical finishing, and ability to find the back of the net from various positions on the pitch, make him a valuable asset in the attacking third.
- Kevin De Bruyne: De Bruyne is widely regarded as one of the best midfielders in the world, known for his exceptional vision, precise passing, and tactical intelligence. His creativity on the ball allows him to unlock defences with ease. The Belgian often operates in the spaces between the opposition's midfield and defence, where he can use his technical skills to create scoring opportunities. In addition to his playmaking skills, De Bruyne is also a proficient goalscorer.
- Mateo Kovacic: Kovacic excels at maintaining possession, even under intense pressure. His ability to manoeuvre through tight spaces with nifty changes of pace and direction makes him a reliable option for retaining the ball and progressing play. While primarily known for his offensive capabilities, Kovacic is also diligent in his defensive duties. He is effective in counter-pressing, often winning the ball back quickly after losing possession.
Manchester City Team News
Ederson faced time out with a groin injury and will go through further assessments to see his availability for this crucial FA Cup tie.
Nathan Ake is still going through his recovery process after having surgery on a foot injury and is only expected to be fully fit until May.
John Stones has also had a lengthy period out on the sidelines, although, he did not require surgery and is making steady progress on his return to first-team action.
Erling Haaland has been in the recovery room due to a serious ankle injury he picked up against Bournemouth in their last FA Cup fixture. The scoring machine is expected to return early next month.
Predicted Line-Up
Nottingham: 4-2-3-1
M. Sels, N. Williams, N. Milenkovic, Murillo, A. Moreno, N. Domínguez, E. Anderson, C. Hudson-Odoi, M. Gibbs-White, A. Elanga, C. Wood
Man City: 4-2-3-1
S. Ortega, M. Nunes, R. Dias, J. Gvardiol, N. O'Reilly, İ. Gundogan, M. Kovacic, J. Doku, K. De Bruyne, P. Foden, O. Marmoush
Suggested Bets
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Both Teams To Score (Yes): Both clubs have quality in their respective attacking departments and with just one win away from the final, expect goals to come from both sides. 4/5 (1.80) with Betway.
Total Goals (Over 2.5): This fixture must get a winner in regular time to avoid a replay, and with all the quality players that will be on display, anticipate both teams to show their attacking threat in front of goal. 83/100 (1.83) with Unibet
First Half - First Goal (Man City): Man City are the more superior team in this fixture and Pep Guardiola will demand an early start to the game, which will see City utilising all their firepower from the first whistle. Get on at 101/100 (2.01) with Betfred.
Value Bets
By utilising effective sports betting strategies and tips, you can make informed bets that reduce the bookmaker’s edge.
First Goal Scorer (Omar Marmoush): Marmoush has settled in well since making the move to City and has shown that he is willing to take the responsibility to be the main man in the absence of Erling Haaland. 18/5 (4.6) with Hollywoodbets.
Winning Margin (Man City by 2): City has picked up momentum at the right time and come into this fixture full of confidence. Guardiola’s tactical acumen will come into play in this fixture which will see them dominate proceedings. 4/1 (5.0) with 10Bet.
Anytime Goal Scorer (Anthony Elanga): Elanga has been a great addition to this Forest team and his speed, intelligent runs, and direct play could cause City trouble on the day. 41/10 (5.1) with 32Red.
Prediction: Manchester City to Win
Manchester City will be out for more than just redemption after losing to Nottingham earlier this year. With an underwhelming season for their lofty standards, this is a great opportunity to earn silverware, which could also have a positive effect on their league performances as they seek to qualify for the Champions League next season. Although Forest will be no pushover and will give a good account of themselves on the day, City has more experience in these high-pressure situations and should have enough to come away victorious. Those evaluating this matchup can explore insights from trusted betting sites.
A dedicated sports lover with a wealth of experience in the sports betting world, Marc Strydom has mostly worked as an Editor-in-chief of a sports betting newspaper in South Africa. Marc’s enthusiasm covers many sports, though he is most passionate about football and the NBA. He has covered a wide range of topics on multiple respected platforms.