Nottm Forest vs Man City: Complete Premier League Match Guide

The most recent Nottingham Forest vs Manchester City fixture took place on December 27, 2025, resulting in a 2–1 victory for Manchester City at the City Ground. Tijjani Reijnders opened the scoring for City, followed by an equalizer from Forest’s Omari Hutchinson, before Rayan Cherki secured the win for the visitors in the 83rd minute. Fans looking for the next encounter can mark their calendars for March 4, 2026, when the two sides meet again at the Etihad Stadium for the reverse Premier League fixture.

In this comprehensive guide, you will find a deep dive into the historical head-to-head records, iconic past players who represented both clubs, and tactical breakdowns of recent performances. We also provide practical information for supporters planning to attend upcoming matches, including ticket pricing, transport to the City Ground and Etihad Stadium, and what to expect from the matchday atmosphere in 2026.

Head to Head Record Stats

Manchester City has historically held the upper hand in recent Premier League encounters against Nottingham Forest. Over the last 10 competitive meetings, City has secured five wins, while Forest has managed to claim victory once, with three matches ending in a draw.

In terms of goal difference, the Sky Blues have often been prolific, famously recording a 6–0 victory at the Etihad in August 2022. However, the City Ground has proven to be a tougher venue for the champions, as seen in Forest’s resilient 1–1 draw in February 2023 and their narrow 1–0 win in March 2025.

Last Match: Forest 1–2 City

The December 2025 clash was a tactical battle that showcased Manchester City’s depth against a Nottingham Forest side managed by Sean Dyche. City dominated possession with 66%, but Forest’s defensive structure made it difficult for Erling Haaland to find space throughout the 90 minutes.

Omari Hutchinson’s 54th-minute strike gave the home fans hope of a festive upset after Reijnders’ opener. However, late-game pressure from Pep Guardiola’s side eventually told when Rayan Cherki found the bottom corner, ensuring City stayed within touching distance of league leaders Arsenal.

Next Match: Etihad Stadium 2026

The upcoming Manchester City vs Nottingham Forest match is scheduled for Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at the Etihad Stadium. This mid-week fixture is expected to be a crucial part of the Premier League run-in, with kick-off set for 8:00 PM local time.

Broadcasting rights for this fixture in the UK are held by TNT Sports, with live coverage starting an hour before kick-off. For international fans, the match will be available via standard Premier League rights holders such as NBC Sports (USA) and Optus Sport (Australia).

Players Representing Both Clubs

Several iconic players have crossed the divide between Nottingham and Manchester over the decades. One of the most famous examples is Stuart Pearce, who made 173 appearances for Forest before joining City for a season and later managing the Manchester club.

Other notable players include Andy Cole, who had brief stints at both clubs late in his career, and Darren Huckerby, a fan favorite for both sets of supporters during the early 2000s. In more recent years, youth prospects like James McAtee have spent time on loan at Forest while remaining City-contracted players.

Tactical Analysis and Form

Manchester City continues to utilize a high-possession 4-2-3-1 or 3-2-4-1 system, often featuring Gianluigi Donnarumma in goal and Rodri as the midfield anchor. Their 2025/26 form has been characterized by high-scoring wins, though they have recently struggled for clean sheets against counter-attacking teams.

Nottingham Forest, under Dyche, has perfected a low-block defensive system that relies on the pace of Callum Hudson-Odoi and Omari Hutchinson on the break. Their recent 0–0 draw against Arsenal in January 2026 proved that they can stifle the league’s best attacks when their defensive discipline is at its peak.

Practical Information and Planning

Attending a match between these two historic clubs requires careful planning due to high ticket demand and strict travel regulations on matchdays.

• Ticket Prices: Premier League tickets for these fixtures range from $53 to $183 on secondary markets like SeatPick, while official club prices start around £35 for members.
• Travel to City Ground: Located just 1.6 miles from Nottingham city center, the best way to reach the ground is by a 15-minute bus (Ryehill Street) or a 30-minute walk from the station.
• Travel to Etihad: The Metrolink from Manchester Piccadilly to the Etihad Campus is the fastest option, taking roughly 10 minutes.
• What to Expect: Both stadiums are fully cashless; ensure you have a mobile wallet or contactless card for food and merchandise.
• Tips for Visitors: Arrive at least 60 minutes before kick-off to clear security, especially at the Etihad, which has rigorous bag search protocols.

Seasonal Context in 2026

As of late January 2026, Manchester City is engaged in a fierce title race, sitting just points behind Arsenal. Nottingham Forest is currently battling in the mid-table, recently ending a losing streak with a massive win over West Ham and a draw against the Gunners.

The March fixture at the Etihad could be a “six-pointer” for both ends of the table. City cannot afford to drop points in their pursuit of another title, while Forest will be looking to secure their top-flight status for another season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who won the last Nottingham Forest vs Man City game? 

Manchester City won the last game 2–1 on December 27, 2025, at the City Ground with goals from Reijnders and Cherki.

What is the capacity of the City Ground? 

The City Ground holds approximately 30,445 supporters, making it one of the more intimate venues in the Premier League.

How do I buy tickets for Man City vs Nottm Forest? 

Tickets are best purchased through the official club websites for members, or through trusted resellers like SeatPick and LiveFootballTickets.

Has Nottingham Forest ever beaten Manchester City in the Premier League? 

Yes, Forest has several wins over City, including a notable 1–0 victory on March 8, 2025, which temporarily dented City’s title hopes.

Who are the top scorers in this fixture’s history?

Erling Haaland holds a strong record with a hat-trick in 2022, while Forest legends like John Robertson were prolific in older divisions.

Are there any players out for the March 2026 game? 

Currently, John Stones and Mateo Kovacic have been dealing with long-term injuries for City, while Forest’s Ryan Yates is expected back from injury in February.

Is the City Ground easy to reach from London? 

Yes, trains from London St Pancras to Nottingham take about 1 hour and 45 minutes, followed by a short bus ride to the stadium.

Can away fans sit in home sections? 

No, fans are strictly prohibited from wearing away colors in home sections and may be ejected without a refund.

Final Thoughts

Manchester City won the most recent fixture against Nottingham Forest 2–1 on December 27, 2025, at the City Ground. Tijjani Reijnders opened the scoring for City in the 48th minute, with Forest’s Omari Hutchinson equalizing just six minutes later. The match was decided in the 83rd minute when Rayan Cherki struck a powerful low volley to secure the victory for the visitors. The reverse fixture is scheduled for Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at the Etihad Stadium.

This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of the historic rivalry between the two clubs, current 2026 season form, head-to-head statistics, and essential matchday information for fans attending the next clash.

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