Man City lineup vs Forest – Guardiola set to make key changes | OneFootball

Man City Predicted Lineup vs Forest: Injury Concerns and Selection Dilemmas

Manchester City travel to the City Ground for a crucial Premier League clash against Nottingham Forest, but Pep Guardiola will have to navigate significant defensive absences. With key players sidelined, City’s predicted lineup will demand careful balance to maintain their title challenge.

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Defensive Issues for Guardiola

Guardiola finds himself without several of his first-choice defenders, with Nathan Ake undergoing surgery on a fractured foot. John Stones and Manuel Akanji also remain unavailable, leaving City’s backline stretched. As a result, Ruben Dias will be crucial, while Guardiola may turn to young talent Khusanov to partner him in central defence.

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Despite these concerns, City will take confidence from their recent FA Cup victory over Plymouth, where several key players, including Erling Haaland and Savinho, were given a partial rest.

Rodri’s Recovery Continues

The absence of Rodri remains a talking point, though Guardiola has urged patience regarding his return. “The fans must know they are not the only ones who are excited,” said Guardiola last week.

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“But one step at a time, we don’t have to make stupid decisions to come back weeks earlier and (suffer) steps back. It’s good but still he’s not close to coming back, I would say.”

While the Spanish midfielder has stepped up his rehabilitation, he is not expected to feature in the immediate future.

Predicted Man City Lineup vs Nottingham Forest

Ederson; Nunes, Dias, Khusanov, Gvardiol; Nico, Kovacic; Savinho, Marmoush, Doku, Haaland.

Injured: Ake, Stones, Rodri, Bobb, Akanji.

With Forest in strong form and City just a point behind them in the table, this fixture is a critical test. Guardiola will need his squad depth to step up in order to secure a result.