Manchester City host new Premier League boys Nottingham Forest at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday as Pep Guardiola aims to keep the reigning champions firing on all cylinders.
STREAM LIVE MANCHESTER CITY vs NOTTINGHAM FOREST
City are unbeaten so far this season with 10 points from 12 and Erling Haaland scored a hat-trick at the weekend in his magnificent comeback against Crystal Palace. The reigning champions haven’t stepped any higher yet, but they still seem pretty unstoppable.
Nottingham Forest, who keep signing new players like it’s going out of style, look like a great addition to the Premier League as they went head-to-head with Tottenham on Sunday but lost 2-0 as they have four points from their Opening four games in the top flight.
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Here is everything you need for Manchester City vs Nottingham Forest.
How to watch Manchester City vs Nottingham Forest live, stream link and start time
Kickoff: 2:30 p.m. ET, Wednesday
TV Channel: Peacock
Online: streaming via Peacock Premium
key stories
City were weak defensively and found themselves 2-0 down against Palace, but then their quality showed and they cruised to a 4-2 win. Pep Guardiola will not be thrilled with defensive mistakes early in the season (he has conceded five in his last two games), but City have so much firepower that they can afford to give teams a two-goal lead and still well get some games. That’s not their game plan, but when you have Kevin de Bruyne and Phil Foden feeding the monster that is Erling Haaland, City are unstoppable when they’re in full swing.
Forest continues to sign players in abundance and their team looks very strong. They still lack a bit of fluidity in the final third, but Steve Cooper’s side appear to be at home in the Premier League and are pushing teams to the finish.
Fit players to watch
City’s main man was Erling Haaland at the weekend, but the role De Bruyne, Foden and Bernardo Silva played in the comeback was pivotal, while Julian Alvarez and Ilkay Gundogan made a big impact off the bench.
Dean Henderson has been a revelation in goal, saving two penalty kicks in his first four games for Forest. Brennan Johnson has been dangerous in attack, while Joe Worrall remains an inspiring leader in central defense. Adding Brazilian international winger Renan Lodi from Atletico Madrid is another big coup.
Manchester City team news, injuries, lineup options
Nathan Ake and Jack Grealish are struggling to get back to full form, while Kalvin Phillips and Luke Mbete are a bit further behind in their comeback. Aymeric Laporte will still be out for another month or so with a knee injury. Guardiola certainly has plenty of options in midfield and attack, and Alvarez could start up front. That said, Pep doesn’t have many options in defence, which will worry him ahead of the start of the Champions League group stage and the sheer volume of matches before the World Cup.
Nottingham Forest team news, injuries, lineup options
Moussa Niakhate and Omar Richards remain out, while Orel Mangala should be back after resting. Forest has so many new signings that it’s a bit iffy when it comes to his lineup. Perhaps Emmanuel Dennis, Remo Freuler and Taiwo Awoniyi will start this game after being on the bench against Spurs?
