An intriguing 2025 FA Cup semifinal tie is set to take place on Sunday, April 27, at Wembley Stadium in London, pitting an injury-affected Manchester City against a surprisingly strong Nottingham Forest side. Kickoff is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. ET.
Manchester City, currently holding third place in the Premier League with a record of 18 wins, 7 draws, and 9 losses, enters this fixture in solid form, having secured five victories and two draws in their last seven matches. However, they are dealing with several key player absences. Their opponents, Nottingham Forest, have been one of the season`s surprises, sitting fourth in the EPL with an identical 18-6-9 record. Forest earned their spot in the semifinal following a 2-1 triumph over Tottenham Hotspur on Monday, showcasing their capability to challenge top teams.
This season, the two clubs have split their Premier League meetings. Nottingham Forest claimed a notable 1-0 victory in their most recent encounter on March 8.
In terms of betting odds, Manchester City is listed as the favorite at -140, meaning a $140 wager would win $100. Nottingham Forest is positioned as the underdog at +340, returning $340 on a $100 bet. A draw in regular time offers odds of +280. The market for total goals scored is set with an over/under of 2.5.
Expert Predictions
Under 2.5 Goals (-110)
Analysts anticipate a low-scoring match. Manchester City`s offensive output may be hampered by injuries, including the absence of their leading goalscorer, Erling Haaland. While Phil Foden has contributed significantly with seven goals and two assists in 25 appearances (19 starts), City`s recent goal tally has been modest, scoring two or fewer goals in seven of their last eight fixtures. Similarly, Nottingham Forest has seen low-scoring games, managing one or fewer goals in four of their past five matches. These trends suggest a tight defensive battle is likely.
Double Chance: Draw or Nottingham Forest (+110)
Nottingham Forest has demonstrated remarkable progress this season, moving from potential relegation candidates to genuine competitors aiming for significant achievements like the FA Cup final. They are seen as a team determined to make history. Manchester City, on the other hand, may have distractions, potentially prioritizing the intense final weeks of the English Premier League title race. Forest is expected to deliver a strong performance and challenge City significantly, making the prospect of them avoiding defeat (either through a draw or a win) a viable outcome.
Adrian Whitmore