Nottingham Forest and Man City meet at Wembley on Sunday, 27 April 2025 (kick-off 4:30pm BST), in an FA Cup semi-final that pits this season’s surprise package against the competition’s modern masters.
Forest are making their first FA Cup semi-final appearance since 1991, having defied expectations under Nuno Espirito Santo. After being tipped for a relegation battle, they now sit fourth in the Premier League and have reached Wembley via three dramatic penalty shootout wins, including a tense quarter-final against Brighton. The Tricky Trees have already beaten City once this season-a 1-0 victory at the City Ground in March-fueling belief that another upset is possible.
Forest’s approach has been built on defensive resilience and rapid counter-attacks, with Anthony Elanga and Morgan Gibbs-White providing pace and creativity. However, they must cope without suspended right-back Neco Williams and influential midfielder Ryan Yates, though Ola Aina could return from injury. Elliot Anderson, a key figure in midfield, has stressed the need for composure and focus on the occasion.
For Man City, the FA Cup represents their last realistic shot at domestic silverware in a disappointing season. Pep Guardiola’s side are contesting a record seventh consecutive semi-final, having beaten Bournemouth 2-1 in the last round. While City have struggled with injuries and form, recent weeks have seen an upturn, with a seven-game unbeaten run as key players returning to fitness.
City’s experience at Wembley and depth of talent-featuring Kevin De Bruyne, Phil Foden, and Erling Haaland-make them favourites. However, they are wary of Forest’s threat, having lost the last meeting and struggled to break down well-organised sides this season.
Man City’s possession play will test Forest’s discipline, but the underdogs’ counter-attacking prowess could cause problems. City’s quality and experience should see them through, but Forest’s spirit and recent head-to-head success mean an upset cannot be ruled out. A 2-1 win for City after a hard-fought battle is our prediction.
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