Man City Predicted XI vs Nottingham Forest as Enzo Maresca Sticks With Donnarumma

Manchester City have a goalkeeper issue. Enzo Maresca does not appear interested in turning it into a goalkeeper debate.

After Gianluigi Donnarumma’s latest mistake in the 3-2 win over RB Leipzig, the obvious question was whether Geronimo Rulli had done enough to force a change. The answer, plainly, looks like no. Maresca is expected to keep Donnarumma in goal for the Premier League trip to Nottingham Forest.

The error was familiar, a shot at the near post, a goalkeeper beaten when he should not be. That is the problem with elite goalkeepers. One mistake becomes the story. Maresca, however, is taking a more functional view. He said: “It’s good overall. It’s good. It’s quite relaxed in terms of he recognised that, you know, he has done some mistake, but at the same time, as I said after the last game, also he has made some, some good saves.”

He added: “So it’s just a matter of balance, try to avoid mistake and continue to do the right things.”

Predicted Man City XI

This is where selection gets straightforward. Maresca rotated in Europe, now he is likely to go back to the side he trusts most. Ruben Dias should return in central defence, with Abdukodir Khusanov the likeliest player to drop out.

Phil Foden was given an opportunity on the left against Leipzig and did little with it. Jeremy Doku replaced him after the hour and looks set to start at the City Ground. On the opposite flank, Iliman Ndiaye has done enough since arriving from Everton to keep his place.

In midfield, Elliot Anderson and Enzo Fernandez are expected to continue as the double pivot in the 4-2-3-1 system, with Rayan Cherki now established as the first-choice No 10. Erling Haaland leads the line, and after failing to score against Brighton, that usually means somebody else has a problem.

Nottingham Forest Test Awaits

Forest have been struggling, and City know this is the sort of away game where hesitation creates noise. Win, and the goalkeeper talk fades. Drop points, and every Donnarumma touch will be analysed again.

Predicted Manchester City XI, Donnarumma, Nunes, Dias, Guehi, Gvardiol, Anderson, Fernandez, Ndiaye, Cherki, Doku, Haaland.

Team News and Match Details

Antoine Semenyo remains out with a knee injury until December. O’Reilly is a doubt.

The match is scheduled for 5.30pm GMT on Saturday, November 7 at the City Ground.