Pep Guardiola expecting tough Nottingham Forest test despite Manchester City’s blistering form of late

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is anticipating a stern encounter at the City Ground, where his side will head to for Saturday’s meeting with Nottingham Forest.

After a 3-0 win over West Ham, City secured a seventh consecutive victory across all competitions, briefly topping the Premier League before Arsenal reclaimed first place by edging Everton 1-0.

While City may be favoured to extend their winning run, Guardiola is cautious, having won just one of three away games at Forest during his time at the Etihad Stadium.

“Last season, especially with Nuno [Espirito Santo], they made an incredible job there,” the City boss said in his pre-match press conference.

“Even before, it’s always been a tough place to go, for the crowd and especially for the quality they have.

“They’re a team who’s invested a lot in the last years after being promoted to the Premier League. They’re a really, really good side.”

Forest have been inconsistent lately, winning three and losing three of their last six Premier League matches.

However, Sean Dyche’s men are unbeaten in five of their last six home matches, including a 3-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur and a 2-2 draw with Manchester United.

They have not lost consecutive matches since October, but face an uphill task to keep that run going this weekend after a 1-0 defeat to Fulham last time out.