Pep Guardiola knows that Nottingham Forest will pose a tough test for his team | OneFootball

Manchester City take on Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on Saturday in what looms as a pivotal Premier League fixture. Forest enters Saturday’s fixture sitting third in the Premier League table. Pep Guardiola’s side sit 4th a point behind Nuno Espirito Santo’s side. A win for either team could give them the initiative in the race to secure Champions League football for next season. Speaking ahead of tomorrow’s fixture Pep Guardiola was full of praise for Nottingham Forest. The Manchester City manager knows the test that awaits his team on Saturday.

Speaking during his pre-game press conference ahead of the crucial Premier League fixture, Pep Guardiola gave his thoughts on Nuno Espirito Santo’s side. The City manager explained that Forest is a quality team, as their league position shows. Speaking on Nottingham Forest Guardiola said: “When you are third in the table after eight, 10 fixtures, okay. But when you are there with 11 games left it and still you are third, it’s because you have done really, really well. You cannot be there unless you have done good things. Impressive, I would say. [They are] really compact and aggressive on transitions.”

Pep Guardiola also singled out Nottingham Forest’s attack as one of their most dangerous weapons. But he did add that they are a quality outfit all over the pitch. He added: “The four upfront are really good and create many things. Hudson-Odoi, Elanga, Wood, Gibbs-White exceptional players, good keeper, experienced defenders. Full-backs can play both sides. Physical team in the middle, Anderson is a top player as well. That’s why they are third. Otherwise could not be there when you are playing the last part of the season.”

The pace and power of Nottingham Forest will test Pep Guardiola’s side.

Across this season, we have seen Manchester City struggle against teams who have the pace to get in behind City’s high defensive line. That is something that Nottingham Forest have in abundance out wide. With Anthony Elanga and Callum Hudson-Odoi on the wings, they could exploit any frailties in City’s defence. You do sense that Pep Guardiola’s side will need to control the midfield battle to nullify the threat that Nottingham Forest poses on the break. When you factor in the power and finishing of Chris Wood you can see how Forest will look to get at Pep Guardiola’s side. There is also Morgan Gibbs-White for City to contend with. The England international is a quality player on the ball and going forward. So Manchester City will have their hands full trying to contain the threat Nuno Espirito Santo’s side possesses.

For me, if Manchester City can control possession that will give them their best chance for victory at the City Ground. If they can do that it will help nullify Forest’s threat. Saturday’s game may be a battle of contrasting styles at the City Ground. You do sense that the team that can impose theirs will likely pick up all three points. Pep Guardiola has explained Forest’s strengths so it’s up to his team to nullify them. If they do they could pick up a victory that will be vital in the chase to secure Champions League football for next season.