Forest–Manchester City preview: turning attempts into a first home goal

Nottingham Forest host Manchester City at the City Ground on Saturday, 7 November, at 17:30 GMT/UTC (18:30 CET; 19:30 CAT).

Keep the two samples separate

Forest’s official preview, citing Opta, records 152 shots and six goals across their Premier League campaign. That is a league-wide season total, rather than the output from home games alone.

At home, Forest have failed to score in all four league matches this season: three 1–0 defeats and a 0–0 draw.

The available attacking options

The club reports that Igor Jesus has returned to training after a calf injury. Nicolás Domínguez remains out following a recurrence of his hamstring problem.

Returning to training is a positive step for Jesus, but the report does not establish his starting role or how many minutes he will play.

What City’s recent record means

City won their first seven league games before losing to Aston Villa and Brighton. Forest’s preview also notes City wins in the cup competitions around those defeats.

Our analysis: Forest’s shot volume shows activity, while the scoring return identifies the unresolved problem. The home record makes that issue particularly relevant here. Another busy attacking performance will matter most if it produces the first home league goal.

City’s two league defeats offer context, rather than evidence of an automatic opening. Forest still have to turn the opportunities they create into goals.