FA Cup Semi-Final: Manchester City vs Nottingham Forest – How To Watch, Lineups and Tactical Preview

Manchester City vs Nottingham Forest: A Wembley Showdown With Huge Stakes

The FA Cup semi-final at Wembley always brings drama, but this year’s clash between Manchester City and Nottingham Forest is loaded with even more storylines. On April 28, 2025, these two teams will fight for a place in the final, and for both, there’s plenty on the line. The match kicks off at 4:30pm BST and will be broadcast live in the UK via ITV1 and ITVX. Fans in Scotland can also tune in on STV, while worldwide viewers are encouraged to check local listings or livesoccertv.com for coverage. If you want to stream, the official Manchester City app has you covered in select regions.

Manchester City arrive at Wembley with something to prove. With the Premier League and Champions League already out of their grasp this season, the FA Cup is now their last shot at silverware. The pressure is huge, especially coming off the disappointment of losing last year’s final. Pep Guardiola has responded by fielding his strongest available lineup: Kevin De Bruyne pulling the strings in midfield, Rodri as the anchor, and that familiar blend of attacking stars up top. Guardiola’s teams are known for controlling possession, and you can bet he expects his side to dominate the ball against Forest.

But don’t think Nottingham Forest are just here for the occasion. It’s their first FA Cup semi-final appearance since 1991, a milestone that’s given their fans real reason to believe. The club is already pushing for a Champions League spot in the Premier League, and now they’re just one match from a shot at ending a 66-year FA Cup drought. Boss Nuno Espírito Santo isn’t shying away from the challenge. He’s put out a team boasting Callum Hudson-Odoi’s flair and Morgan Gibbs-White’s energy, both of whom can break fast and test City on the counter.

How It Could Play Out: Possession vs Counterattack

Every football nerd loves a tactical clash, and this one’s got a clear script: Manchester City look to boss the ball, while Nottingham Forest try to hit them quickly on the break. City’s patient build-up, marshaled by De Bruyne and Rodri, should see them camped out in Forest’s half for long spells. But Forest are no strangers to playing without the ball. They’ve frustrated bigger sides by sitting deep, keeping shape, then springing counters that catch defenses off guard. In recent league meetings, Forest have caused problems on the break—even if City’s technical ability eventually got them over the line.

Some fans might remember the last time Forest made it this far; it was a very different era, with mullets and mud, but the pressure was just as heavy. This time, there’s more on-the-line than pride or nostalgia. For City, this is about rescuing a season that could otherwise be seen as disappointing. For Forest, it’s about proving their resurgence isn’t a fluke—and maybe, just maybe, setting up a fairytale FA Cup run for a new generation.

As the teams walk out under the Wembley arch, expect the crowd to split between those bracing for City’s smooth passing routines, and Forest fans who will believe, to the final whistle, that they can pull off an upset. With live coverage, fans everywhere are set for a classic cup night—one that could be remembered for years, no matter which side you’re on.