Nottingham Forest to face Manchester City in Subway League Cup at The City Ground

Nottingham Forest and Manchester City play each other on November 22 2025, at The City Ground. For Nottingham Forest, it will be a chance to show what they can do against top teams like Manchester City. For Manchester City, it will be a chance for them to top their group and secure their place in the knock out rounds.

Team Form & Recent Results

Nottingham Forest:

Nottingham Forest have had a good start to the season winning 4, drawing 1, and losing 4. They recently drew 0-0 to Sheffield United. They will be looking to get a win over a top team like Manchester City.

Manchester City:

Manchester City lost their first game of the season. But are now on a strong unbeaten run, which they will want to continue with. They will also want to win to secure their place in the knock out round of the League Cup.

Key Players to Watch

Nottingham Forest - Georgia Brougham

A commanding and composed figure at the heart of Nottingham Forest's defence, Georgia Brougham blends strength, awareness and leadership, constantly reading the game with precision and bringing calm authority to the back line while shutting down danger before it develops.

Manchester City - Khadija "Bunny" Shaw

A powerful and clinical force for Manchester City, Khadija "Bunny" Shaw brings exceptional strength, movement and finishing ability, consistently leading the line with confidence, and turning even the smallest chances into real danger for opposition defences.

Young Players to Watch

Nottingham Forest - Vivienne Lia

Vivienne Lia continues to impress with her sharp movement, composure in tight spaces and growing attacking intelligence, consistently adding creativity and intent in the final third while showing maturity beyond her years.

Manchester City - Gracie Prior

Gracie Prior continues to stand out with her assured defensive presence, calm distribution and impressive reading of the game, bringing stability to the back line while showing a maturity and confidence well beyond her age.

Tactical Overview

Manchester City favour a possession-based style, built on fluid passing, intelligent movement and control of the tempo. They look to dominate through quick interchanges and technical precision in the final third, making them one of the most tactically refined sides in the league.

Nottingham Forest play with a disciplined yet attack-minded approach, combining intelligent build-up play with strong organisation and intensity. They look to progress through the thirds with quick passing and purposeful movement using their wide players to stretch the pitch and create space. Their strength lies in their collective work rate, fluid combinations in attacking areas and a cohesive team structure that allows them to pass effectively and maintain control both in and out of possession.

Head-to-Head record

The two sides have crossed paths only on limited occasions, with Manchester City's WSL experience contrasting with Nottingham Forest's rise through the women's pyramid. Their most recent meeting came in cup competition, where City's technical quality and high-tempo play were met by Forest's organisation, work rate and resilience. Whenever these teams face each other, the matchup highlights the growing depth of the women's game on the competitive edge Forest bring against top-tier opposition.

Prediction/What to Expect

With both teams looking to make a statement, this matchup promises to be compelling. Nottingham Forest have won just two of their last five, but their organisation, work rate and ability to unsettle opponents mean they can't be overlooked. Manchester City come into this game in strong form with four wins from their last five, showcasing their fluid passing, sharp movements and control in possession. City may hold the advantage on paper, but Forest's resilience and pressing could make this a far more competitive encounter than the form guide alone suggests.