Get ready for a thrilling match between mighty Man City and newcomers Nottingham Forest. City are the Premier League champions and one of the best teams around. Their world-class players like Haaland and Silva can tear apart any defense.

But Forest just got promoted and is so excited to test themselves against elite competition like City. They don't have as many big-name stars. But with players like new signing Jesse Lingard, they'll battle hard.

This is a true David vs Goliath clash! Forest will try to defend resiliently and look to counter attack. But City's passing and movement is so slick. Can the underdog visitors hang around or will City put on a show?

Man City vs Nottingham Forest

The match will take place on Saturday, 23rd September 2023, at Etihad Stadium, Manchester.

Manchester City Show Class Against West Ham

Right from the opening whistle, Man City came flying out looking to overwhelm West Ham. They swarmed the goal, with Chance after chance in the first few minutes.

It seemed like City were just toying with the Hammers early on with their crisp passing and movement. The champions were buzzing with energy and totally controlling the game.

But somehow West Ham's defense managed to survive the initial siege without conceding. They made some desperate blocks and keeper Areola bailed them out too.

Haaland's Uncharacteristic Miss

City should have gone ahead when the ball fell kindly to Haaland at the far post. But the usually lethal striker smashed his shot way off target. Very unusual to see him miss such a golden chance!

That error kept West Ham level against the run of play. For once, Haaland's scoring instincts let him down at a big moment.

Hammers Strike on Rare Attack

Just when it looked like City would eventually break through, West Ham shocked them by opening the scoring!

It came on a speedy counter attack down the right wing. Bowen's clever pass freed Coufal, who delivered a perfect cross for Ward-Prowse to head home.

A classic sucker punch against the run of play! City were left stunned after dominating the half but trailing at the break.

Doku Equalizes Quickly

Whatever Pep Guardiola said at halftime clearly worked, because City came roaring back out.

It took just 41 seconds for new signing Doku to grab the equalizer with a smooth solo goal. He is so fast and tricky on the wing!

That moment completely changed the energy of the match. City were buzzing again and it felt like only a matter of time until they took the lead.

Haaland Misses Galore

As City laid siege to the West Ham goal again, the chances continued falling to Haaland. But the big striker just could not find his finishing touch.

He missed unclearly with his head, had shots saved, and scuffed another golden chance at the far post. It was an incredibly frustrating afternoon for the lethal Norwegian.

Silva Provides Calm Class

With Haaland misfiring, it was silky midfielder Silva who put City ahead with class.

He latched onto a pass from Julian Alvarez and coolly lifted the ball over the onrushing keeper. Such clever composure under pressure.

With Silva pulling the strings, City looked confident playing through West Ham again as they took control of the match.

Haaland Finally Gets His Goal

You just knew Haaland would not be denied in the end. He'd gotten too many chances not to finally score.

The big striker finished off a slick City attack by blasting the ball into the corner. Relief for Haaland to get off the mark!

With their star man back scoring and Silva running the show, City coasted to a victory that had seemed unlikely at halftime. What a turnaround and show of their champion mentality.

Forest's Resilience Earns Draw Against Burnley

Right from the start, Burnley had Forest on the back foot. The Clarets were energetic and aggressive, pinning Forest in their own end early on.

Forest had trouble stringing passes together to get out of their own zone. Burnley looked dangerous, especially teenager Amdouni who was buzzin all over.

But Forest did just enough to withstand the early siege from Burnley without conceding an early goal.

Amdouni's Super Strike Opens Scoring

The nonstop Burnley pressure finally paid off when youngster Amdouni scored a beauty to put them ahead.

He latched onto a pass into the box and rifled a low shot into the corner before the keeper could react. Top class technique from the 19-year-old!

You could feel Burnley's belief surge after that moment of brilliance unlocked a cagey game.

Hudson-Odoi's Curling Rocket Equalizes

Just when it looked bleak, new signing Hudson-Odoi came up huge for Forest with a picture perfect equalizer.

He had time on the edge of the box and bent a stunning curler into the far side netting. The Chelsea loanee announced himself in style!

His golazo lifted Forest and brought the home crowd alive. What a valuable contribution.

Late Disallowed Goal Controversial

Burnley thought they had won it late when Foster finished off a slick passing move. But VAR judged there was a handball in the build up.

Foster was fuming about the decision, arguing it was ball-to-hand contact. But by the letter of the law, it was the right call.

In the end, Forest escaped with a point thanks to aid from VAR. A lifeline!

Forest Show Grit and Resilience

This was a gutsy performance from Forest against an energetic Burnley side. The Reds were second best early on but hung around.

Hudson-Odoi's special goal and some desperate late defending preserved a share of the points.

Forest continued searching for their first win, but they demonstrated some real fighting spirit here. This disciplined effort could be a building block going forward.

Predicted Lineups

Manchester City: Ederson, Josko Gvardiol, Ruben Dias, Manuel Akanji, Rodri, John Stones, Jack Grealish, Phil Foden, Julian Alvarez, Bernardo Silva, Erling Haaland

Forest: Matt Turner, Scott McKenna, Moussa Niakhaté, Felipe, Anthony Elanga, Danilo, Remo Freuler, Neco Williams, Morgan Gibbs-White, Taiwo Awoniyi, Brennan Johnson

Key Battles

Forest's Taiwo Awoniyo clashes with City's star defender Ruben Dias. Awoniyo's physicality versus Dias' skill and strength will be crucial.

In midfield, Forest captain Ryan Yates tussles with City magician Bernando Silva. Yates must stop Silva from pulling the strings.

Up front, Forest's Brennan Johnson tries to isolate City fullback Cancelo. Johnson's pace on the counter is Forest's big threat.