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Manchester City weigh Rodri return ahead of Nottingham Forest test

Manchester City arrive at the City Ground with momentum, confidence and one significant late decision to make. Whether Rodri is deemed fit enough to return against Nottingham Forest could shape both the rhythm of the contest and the wider Premier League picture.

The Spain midfielder has not featured since early November after suffering a hamstring injury, yet optimism has grown inside City’s camp. Pep Guardiola offered a guarded but positive update as preparations concluded.

“Rodri is much, much better,” said Guardiola on Friday.“Available or not, we’ll decide today.”

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Guardiola balances momentum and management

Manchester City are chasing a result that would lift them above Arsenal, who face Brighton later on Saturday, and Guardiola is acutely aware of the need to preserve form while navigating a demanding festive schedule. Seven straight wins across all competitions have reinforced belief, and continuity has been key.

Guardiola made no changes to his starting line-up for consecutive Premier League victories over West Ham and Crystal Palace, wins that delivered a combined score of 6-0. That settled selection speaks of a manager comfortable with his current formula, even as the calendar tightens with back-to-back away trips to Nottingham Forest and Sunderland.

Injuries and absences shape City options

Manchester City remain without Jeremy Doku and John Stones, with Guardiola confirming, “Doku and John still aren’t there but soon they’ll be back.” Oscar Bobb and Mateo Kovacic also remain sidelined, while Rayan Ait-Nouri and Omar Marmoush are unavailable due to international duty at AFCON.

Defensive rotation options are limited. Abdukodir Khusanov is a possibility, but Guardiola is expected to trust the experience of Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol against a direct Nottingham Forest side that thrives on physicality and tempo.

Haaland leads an in-form attacking unit

At the sharp end, City look well equipped. Erling Haaland has six goals in his last five matches and continues to lead the line with authority. Behind him, Rayan Cherki and Phil Foden have developed an increasingly influential partnership, blending invention with intensity.

That attacking trio is likely to be unleashed once more, placing immediate pressure on Nottingham Forest as City seek to control territory and dictate the pace from the outset.

Predicted Man City XI (4-3-2-1): Donnarumma, Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, O’Reilly, Silva, Gonzalez, Reijnders, Cherki, Foden, HaalandDoubts: RodriInjured: Kovacic, Doku, Stones, BobbUnavailable: Ait-Nouri, MarmoushKick-off: 12.30pm GMT, Saturday December 27, 2025Venue: City GroundHow to watch: TNT Sports