Man City lineup vs. Nottingham Forest: Predicted XI for Premier League contest as Jack Grealish starts in new role

Manchester City head coach Pep Guardiola could make an abundance of attacking changes for Wednesday's Premier League battle with Nottingham Forest at the Etihad.

The champions have fallen 11 points off the pace in the title race owing to Sunday's 2-0 loss to leaders Liverpool, where Jeremy Doku came off the bench in the second half following a thigh problem.

The Belgian attacker lacked an end product at Anfield, but he showed pace and directness to try to inject some life into a toothless City attack and will no doubt be a candidate for a start on Wednesday.

Doku could displace Matheus Nunes on the left flank as one of three attacking alterations, as Jack Grealish and Savinho could force their way back into the first XI over the ineffective Phil Foden and the struggling Kyle Walker.

Guardiola suggested after the Liverpool loss that he could trial Grealish in a central role, meaning that Kevin De Bruyne may have to wait his turn again, unless he is chosen to occupy a deeper role.

However, Ilkay Gundogan and Bernardo Silva are better suited to such positions and should reprise their roles in a depleted Citizens midfield, as should Manuel Akanji and Ruben Dias in the backline.

Walker dropping out would see Rico Lewis revert to defensive duties at right-back, while Nathan Ake looked off the boil up against Mohamed Salah - although most left-backs would look off the boil against the Egyptian - so Josko Gvardiol may replace the injury-riddled Dutchman.

Finally, Guardiola sprang a surprise by selecting Stefan Ortega in goal at Anfield; he did not do much wrong besides giving away the penalty for Salah's goal, but Ederson will be expected to return against Forest.

Rodri (ACL), Oscar Bobb (leg), Mateo Kovacic (unspecified) and John Stones (foot) remain out injured for the champions.

Manchester City possible starting lineup: Ederson; Lewis, Dias, Akanji, Gvardiol; Silva, Gundogan; Savinho, Grealish, Doku; Haaland

> Click here to see how Forest could line up for this match