Manchester City supporters were rocked by news of Erling Haaland‘s surprise absence in the buildup to Saturday’s clash at Leeds United, and Pep Guardiola’s side looked destined to endure a setback in the title race, given the hosts’ fast start.
But City just about weathered an early storm and established a foothold, with their improvement facilitating the match-winning moment delivered by Rayan Aït-Nouri and Antoine Semenyo’s combination.
Their 1–0 victory thus continued their winning momentum, but Arsenal answered their call by edging past Chelsea the following day.
However, there’s scope for another shift at the top of the table midweek, as City welcome Nottingham Forest to the Etihad Stadium while the Gunners travel to Brighton & Hove Albion, who have picked up back-to-back wins for just the second time this season.
Nico O’Reilly Adds to Haaland Headache
The injury that ruled Erling Haaland out of Saturday’s slender win is thought to be minor, and Man City’s top scorer is seemingly in contention to make a swift return to Guardiola’s starting lineup on Wednesday night.
The Spaniard hasn’t yet offered much insight into Haaland’s setback, merely hoping that his striker has avoided a major issue.
Nico O’Reilly is also a concern after he sustained an ankle injury on Saturday evening. O’Reilly was forced off with 20 minutes to go and will be assessed ahead of Forest’s midweek visit. The academy graduate has starred amid City’s current winning run.
Jérémy Doku was back on the bench at the weekend, while Phil Foden is pushing for a recall. The hosts are still without Joško Gvardiol, Mateo Kovačić and Max Alleyne.
- ⚠️ Key absentees, doubts: Joško Gvardiol, Mateo Kovačić, Max Alleyne, Nico O’Reilly, Erling Haaland.
- 🔢 Predicted formation: 4-2-2-2
Man City Predicted Lineup vs. Nottingham Forest
GK: Gianluigi Donnarumma—Despite spells of pressure, Leeds failed to work the imposing Italian at the weekend, with Donnarumma notching his 11th Premier League clean sheet. League leader David Raya is just two ahead.
RB: Matheus Nunes—The protagonist of the handball controversy at Elland Road, Nunes has enjoyed a sustained run in Guardiola’s team.
CB: Rúben Dias—The Portuguese center back played a crucial role in helping City see out their victory at the weekend, and he’ll hope to have a less active night when Forest come to town.
CB: Marc Guéhi—Guardiola won’t chop and change his center-back pairing, with Guéhi settling in quickly and establishing an impressive rapport with Dias.
LB: Rayan Aït-Nouri—Awash with technical quality, Aït-Nouri has come to the fore in sky blue as of late.
CM: Bernardo Silva—Experienced heads are imperative at this stage of the season, and although Bernardo has been used relentlessly up to this point, Guardiola will ask for one final push down the stretch.
CM: Rodri—Forest don’t have all that much going for them upfront, but Morgan Gibbs-White can be a powerful force in transition. Rodri will be tasked with keeping the away side’s talisman in check.
AM: Phil Foden—Foden impressed during the first half of the season, but his 2026 is yet to get up and running. Perhaps it’ll ignite on Wednesday against tame opposition.
AM: Rayan Cherki—Saturday’s outing was a tough one for Cherki, who encountered a rough and rugged Leeds team that were intent on not allowing the Frenchman to settle. Returning to the Etihad Stadium midweek should comfort City’s chief creator.
ST: Erling Haaland—The signs are pointing towards a quick return from injury for Haaland, who undoubtedly would’ve watched on nervously at the weekend, knowing there was nothing he could do to help his team. Fortunately, City made a big splash in the winter market.
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This article was originally published on www.si.com as Man City XI vs. Nottingham Forest: Haaland Risk Taken—Injury News, Predicted Lineup.
