Nottingham Forest and Manchester City have faced each other over a century, with City holding the advantage in recent years. This article covers the head-to-head record, recent form, key statistics, and what the numbers suggest for future meetings.
What are the head-to-head stats between Nottingham Forest and Man City?
Manchester City 46 wins – Nottingham Forest 34 wins – 29 draws
Man City 4 wins, Forest 1 win, 0 draws
5 wins, 0 draws, 0 losses
1 win, 2 draws, 2 losses
Key insights from the stats
- Manchester City have historically dominated the fixture, winning 46 of 109 competitive meetings.
- Nottingham Forest have managed 34 wins, including a memorable 1‑0 victory in March 2025.
- The most recent encounter on 27 December 2025 ended 2‑1 to City, with Rayan Cherki scoring the winner.
- In the last 10 Premier League meetings, City hold a record of 5 wins, 3 draws and 2 losses, with a goal differential of +10.
- Sky Sports match stats from a recent meeting showed City dominating possession (66%) and expected goals (1.45 vs 0.55).
Essential head‑to‑head facts
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Total matches | 109 |
| Manchester City wins | 46 |
| Nottingham Forest wins | 34 |
| Draws | 29 |
| Last match result | Nottingham Forest 1‑2 Manchester City |
| Last match date | 27 December 2025 |
Detailed historical records can be found on Footystats and AiScore.
What is the recent form of both teams?
Nottingham Forest’s form before the last meeting
According to Sky Sports, Forest’s sequence heading into the December 2025 fixture showed a mixed pattern: a 1‑2 loss to Brighton, 1‑2 vs Fenerbahce, 0‑1 vs Liverpool, 3‑0 vs Fenerbahce, 0‑0 vs Wolves, and 1‑3 vs Leeds. The results highlight an ability to compete in Europe but inconsistency in the Premier League.
Forest have lost five of their last six games against top‑half opposition, but the 3‑0 win over Fenerbahce shows they can produce strong performances when defending deep and countering quickly.
Manchester City’s form before the last meeting
City entered the match on a much stronger run: 1‑0 vs Leeds, 2‑1 vs Newcastle, 2‑0 vs Salford City, 3‑0 vs Fulham, 2‑1 vs Liverpool, and 3‑1 vs Newcastle. All six were wins, with City scoring at least twice in five of them.
For a deeper look at recent performances, visit Sky Sports match stats.
What is the latest match result and highlights?
The most recent encounter took place on 27 December 2025 at the City Ground. Nottingham Forest 1‑2 Manchester City. Rayan Cherki’s late strike secured the win for the visitors, ending a brief drought in the Premier League. ESPN’s match report described the winner as a vital goal for City’s season. FotMob’s live coverage confirmed the outcome and provided a timeline of key events.
What is the prediction for Nottingham Forest vs Man City based on stats?
Based on recent head‑to‑head dominance, stronger overall form, and superior possession and xG profiles, the statistical expectation favours Manchester City. The most plausible scorelines, drawn from recent patterns, are 1‑2, 0‑2, or 1‑3 in City’s favour.
Forest have shown they can beat City – as they did 1‑0 on 8 March 2025. If they defend compactly and capitalise on transitions or set pieces, an upset is not impossible, though recent data makes it the less likely outcome.
How have recent meetings unfolded?
- – Nottingham Forest 1‑2 Manchester City (Premier League)
- – Nottingham Forest 0‑2 Manchester City (FA Cup)
- – Nottingham Forest 1‑0 Manchester City (Premier League)
- – Manchester City 3‑0 Nottingham Forest (Premier League)
- – Nottingham Forest 0‑2 Manchester City (Premier League)
- – Manchester City 2‑0 Nottingham Forest (Premier League)
- – Nottingham Forest 1‑1 Manchester City (Premier League)
- – Manchester City 6‑0 Nottingham Forest (Premier League)
What is certain and what is uncertain in the stats?
| Established information | Information that remains unclear |
|---|---|
| Overall H2H record: Man City 46 wins, Forest 34 wins, 29 draws (AiScore, Sports Mole). | Outcome of future matches cannot be predicted with certainty. |
| Result of the last meeting: 27 Dec 2025 – City won 2‑1. | Exact xG values for historical matches are not consistently published. |
| City’s possession dominance in recent fixtures (66% vs Forest). | Injury and suspension status before a specific match can change quickly. |
What is the broader context of this fixture?
Manchester City have been a dominant force in English football, and their strong recent record against Nottingham Forest reflects their title‑chasing ambitions. Forest, meanwhile, have often been fighting for survival or mid‑table safety. The tactical contrast – City’s possession‑based game against Forest’s counter‑attacking approach – has made recent meetings competitive even when the scoreline suggests otherwise. Key players such as Rayan Cherki and Morgan Gibbs‑White have influenced outcomes, and home advantage at the City Ground has not consistently closed the gap.
What do match reports say?
“Rayan Cherki chose a good time to end his Premier League drought as his late strike earned Manchester City a vital 2‑1 win.”
ESPN.co.uk match report, 27 December 2025
“Gibbs‑White and Anderson earn potentially crucial draw.”
FotMob match report from an earlier meeting
Summary of Nottingham Forest vs Man City stats
Manchester City hold the historical edge with 46 wins, while Nottingham Forest have 34. In the last five meetings City have won four, and their recent form has been stronger. The most likely outcome in future encounters, based on available data, is a City win – though Forest’s ability to spring an upset remains a real possibility. For a full breakdown, see our Man City vs Nottingham Forest head‑to‑head history and Premier League stats and standings.
Frequently asked questions
What is the head‑to‑head record between Man City and Nottingham Forest?
As per available data, Man City have won 46, Nottingham Forest 34, with 29 draws in all competitions.
What were the last 5 matches between Man City and Nottingham Forest?
The most recent is the 27 Dec 2025 match (2‑1 Man City). The previous four include Forest’s 1‑0 win in March 2025 and three City victories. Detailed results are on AiScore and Footystats.
Where can I watch the Nottingham Forest vs Man City match live?
Live broadcasts are listed on Sky Sports, ESPN, and other official Premier League broadcasters. Check their schedules for upcoming matches.
When was the first recorded meeting between the two clubs?
The matchup dates back to 1899, making it one of the older rivalries in English football.
How many goals has Man City scored against Forest in recent meetings?
In the last eight competitive meetings (2022‑2025), City have scored 16 goals, while Forest have scored 3.
Has Nottingham Forest ever won at the Etihad?
Forest have recorded wins at City’s home ground in earlier decades, but recent league meetings at the Etihad have gone City’s way (e.g., 3‑0 in Dec 2024, 6‑0 in Aug 2022).
Who scored the winner in the December 2025 match?
Rayan Cherki scored the decisive goal in the 2‑1 win for Manchester City at the City Ground.
What is the typical possession split in this fixture?
In recent meetings, City have averaged around 66% possession, with Forest closer to 34%, according to Sky Sports stats.
Are these stats based on all competitions or only the Premier League?
The all‑time record includes all competitive matches. The recent form and prediction focus primarily on Premier League encounters, plus the FA Cup meeting in April 2025.
Is there a reliable source for historical head‑to‑head data?
Yes. Sports Mole (109 meetings) and 11v11 provide detailed historical records. Footystats and AiScore offer modern-era stats with filters.
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Diane Forbes leads fact-checking, source verification and corrections at Civic Affairs.