Wembley is set to host a blockbuster FA Cup semi-final this Sunday as high-flying Nottingham Forest take on the mighty Manchester City.
The Tricky Trees are enjoying one of their best top-flight campaigns in recent memory, currently sitting in fourth place in the Premier League table, and are dreaming of Champions League football next season.
With five league games still to play, manager Nuno Espírito Santo faces the tough task of juggling a fierce top-four race with a golden shot at silverware.
For the Cityzens, the FA Cup now holds extra significance. Their hopes of lifting a fifth Premier League title on the trot have all but faded, and with the title race slipping away, Pep Guardiola’s troops are channeling their focus into domestic cup glory.
After splashing out the cash in the January transfer window, welcoming Omar Marmoush, Nico Gonzalez, Abdukodir Khusanov, and Vitor Reis, the pressure is on to deliver and salvage some success from a flailing season overall. Sunday’s clash could be season-defining for both sides, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match, kickoff times and the latest lineup news.
Nottingham Forest vs. Man City live stream, TV channel
Here’s how to watch this FA Cup match in the U.S.:
TV channel: N/A
Live stream: ESPN+
This game is not available for live TV broadcast in the US. Streaming options are available on ESPN+.
You can get an ESPN+ subscription for $11.99 per month or purchase an annual plan for $119.99 per year, a $24 savings. Stream your favorite teams live and enjoy more sports anywhere with an ESPN+ subscription.
What time does Nottingham Forest vs. Man City kick off?
This FA Cup clash takes place at the Wembley Stadium in London, England and kicks off on Sunday, April 27, 2025 at 4:30 p.m. local time (BST).
Here’s how that time translates across the U.S.:
| Date | Kickoff time | |
| Eastern Time | Sun, Apr. 27 | 11:30 a.m. |
| Central Time | Sun, Apr. 27 | 10:30 a.m. |
| Mountain Time | Sun, Apr. 27 | 9:30 a.m. |
| Pacific Time | Sun, Apr. 27 | 8:30 a.m. |
Nottingham Forest vs. Man City predicted lineups, team news
Nottingham Forest will feel the pinch of suspensions, with key contributors Ryan Yates and Neco Williams both ruled out. The pair picked up pivotal yellow cards in the previous round, pushing them past the disciplinary threshold and making them ineligible for the semi-final clash against Man City.
With Williams unavailable, Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo faces a selection dilemma at full-back ahead of Sunday’s clash. Alex Moreno could be drafted in on the left flank, but if Ola Aina fails to recover from his calf issue, it would leave the squad without a recognized right-back available for selection in this matchup.
Morato and Harry Toffolo are also in contention to start, particularly if Nuno opts for a more defensive setup to try and stifle Manchester City’s attacking surges. Further up the pitch, Danilo is expected to operate on the left, which would leave Callum Hudson-Odoi among the substitutes.
Neither Jota Silva nor Eric da Silva Moreira will be part of the roster, although neither were likely to make the starting XI.
Nottingham Forest predicted XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Sels —Aina, Milenkovic, Murillo, Moreno — Dominguez, Anderson — Elanga, Gibbs-White, Hudson Odoi — Wood.
Injured: Eric da Silva Moreira (ankle), Jota Silva (knock).
Suspended: Williams, Yates.
For Manchester City, Stefan Ortega will take up goalkeeping duties in place of the injured Ederson. Manuel Akanji has been eased back into action with substitute appearances in City’s last two matches, but could see more minutes this time around.
Pep Guardiola will be without several key players, with Erling Haaland, Rodri, John Stones, and Nathan Ake all ruled out for the weekend fixture.
James McAtee will be forced to watch from the sidelines on Sunday after receiving his second booking of the FA Cup during the quarter-final stage, ruling him out through suspension. It’s a tough setback for the youngster, who had just begun to carve out a consistent role in Pep Guardiola’s lineup.
Manchester City predicted XI (4-3-3, right to left): Ortega — Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, O’Reilly — Silva, Kovacic, Gundogan — Doku, De Bruyne, Marmoush.
Injured: Haaland (ankle), Rodri (ACL), Ederson (groin), Nathan Ake (ankle), John Stones (thigh).
Suspended: McAtee.
FA Cup schedule this week
All times in ET
Saturday, April 26
- Crystal Palace vs. Aston Villa (12:15 p.m.)
Sunday, April 27
- Nottingham Forest vs. Manchester City (11:30 a.m.)
