*Match preview and betting tips provided by SVB Tips
CITY’S SEASON FULL OF UPS AND DOWNS
No matter how this season ends, it’s safe to say Manchester City have fallen short of expectations. The reigning Premier League champions have already mathematically surrendered their title and are now battling for a Champions League spot. But their focus also shifts to the FA Cup—the only competition left where they can lift a trophy.
Their semi-final opponents? The surprise package of the season—Nottingham Forest, who trail City by just a single point in the league standings, and with a game in hand. The head-to-head this season is split: City won 3-0 at the Etihad, but lost 0-1 at the City Ground, proving that this won’t be an easy ride for Guardiola’s men.
Injuries continue to plague City, contributing to their inconsistent campaign. Key players like Rodri, Erling Haaland, John Stones, and Nathan Aké are all out, along with goalkeeper Ederson, meaning Stefan Ortega is expected to start. Even Oscar Bobb, who’s barely featured this season, is sidelined after a muscle relapse.
City’s route to the semifinals included wins over Salford City (8-0), Leyton Orient (2-1), Plymouth Argyle (3-1), and Bournemouth (2-1).
FOREST’S FIRST FINAL SINCE 1991?
Nottingham Forest are enjoying their best season since returning to the top flight three years ago. They haven’t reached an FA Cup final since 1991, and with two titles to their name (1898, 1959), a place in the final would be an historic achievement.
Their road to Wembley has been dramatic: they beat Luton Town (2-0), and then needed penalty shootouts to get past Exeter City (2-2, 4-2 pens), Ipswich (1-1, 5-4 pens), and Brighton (0-0, 4-3 pens). Notably, only one of those matches—against Exeter—featured more than 2.5 goals.
In terms of team news, right-back Ola Aina, Jota Silva, and Eric da Silva Moreira are all ruled out due to injury.
PREDICTED LINEUPS
Nottingham Forest:
- Sels – Williams, Milenković, Murillo, Morato, Alberto Moreno – Elanga, Domínguez, Anderson, Danilo – Wood
Manchester City:
- Ortega – Matheus Nunes, Rúben Dias, Gvardiol, O’Reilly – Nico González, Gündoğan – Bernardo Silva, De Bruyne, Foden – Marmoush
BETTING TIPS & SUGGESTIONS
- Under 2.5 Total Goals – Forest's recent FA Cup games have been low-scoring and tight. City are missing key attackers.
- Both Teams to Score – NO – Forest tend to play cautiously, and City’s backline is still strong despite injuries.
- Draw at Full Time (X) – Given City’s injury woes and Forest’s solid cup form, extra time could be likely.
- Correct Score: 1-1 – If you’re chasing value, this reflects the balance of power and recent form.
- Forest to Qualify (incl. extra time/penalties) – A bold call, but given Forest’s penalty shootout resilience, it’s a high-value underdog bet.