A compelling English Premier League clash is set to unfold at the City Ground as Nottingham Forest prepares to host Manchester City. This match presents a stark contrast between a team battling for survival and a title contender aiming to maintain their dominance. Nottingham Forest, with their sights firmly set on avoiding relegation, have shown inconsistent form in their recent Premier League outings, managing 4 wins, 1 draw, and 5 losses in their last 10 matches. They have demonstrated resilience at home, securing 3 wins and suffering 2 defeats. Their tactical approach revolves around a 5-4-1 defensive setup, focusing on counter-attacks. Their defence has been relatively solid, conceding an average of 0.9 goals per game. However, they face significant challenges due to injuries and international call-ups, which will see key players like Wood and Aurier miss the match. Their midfield struggles with possession, hovering below 40%, and their ability to break down the opposition's defense in open play is considered weak. Manchester City, currently holding the second position in the league standings, are in excellent form, boasting a record of 8 wins and 2 losses in their last 10 games, including a five-match winning streak. Haaland has been a standout performer, netting 19 goals in 17 matches. In their recent six games, he has scored 18 goals. Their attacking prowess is evident through their average of 17.6 shots per game and a 53% shot accuracy rate. A potential weakness is their performance on the road when they are behind. The historical data between the two teams strongly favours Manchester City, who have won 4 of their last 5 encounters, with Nottingham Forest managing only a single draw. The game's flow will be dictated by Nottingham Forest's defensive compactness and Manchester City's ability to break through it. The battle for set pieces and midfield control will be critical. Both teams will have to adapt their strategies given the player absences. The efficiency of in-game substitutions and the control of errors will greatly influence the teams' performances, with the form of key players being a major factor. Recommendation: Over 2.75 goals.