Here they come
A steely look on the face of the 22 players – and indeed the 22 mascots – as they make their way out at Wembley.
The Forest tifo is unfurled just as they’re making their way out. Good stuff from both sets of supporters.
A really brilliant atmosphere. Let’s hope it delivers on the park too!
From Lloyd Canfield at Wembley Stadium
The Nottingham Forest fans have absolutely blown the Man City faithful out of the water here at Wembley.
To my left the stadium erupts at every mention of the word Nottingham, with almost every seat full, scarfs waving around and people singing as if they were using their final breaths.
To my right, the City fans seem apathetic.
This is their 28th visit here since the new Wembley was built, perhaps they’ve begun to take the importance of an occasion like this for granted.
As for Forest, this is just their second visit since the stadium was built – the previous being a play-off final vs Huddersfield in 2022.
I was sat here for the Carabao Cup final, where Newcastle’s atmosphere helped them beat champions elect Liverpool – and I’ve got a feeling we might see a similar story here today.
In the tunnel
A terrific noise from the fans in here, sky blue at one end and red on the other.
The noise coming from those in red, mainly as they outnumber their City opponents.
However, the Man City fans have unfurled a huge tifo behind the goals where they’re housed!
Enjoy
Nuno has urged his players to enjoy their ‘special occasion’ at Wembley afternoon.
He said: “You don’t have to shield them, it is impossible to shield a squad of players when there is so much information and when it is such a special occasion for us.
“We have to enjoy it, but we have to go as a group of players and staff to compete.
“That’s the best way to enjoy the semi final of the FA Cup, if you are focused and committed to compete.”
Warming up
It’s getting warm inside Wembley – on the pitch and off it!
The players are coming to the end of their warm-ups.
And the Forest fans – who’ve been in here for quite some time – are the ones making all the noise!
Match odds
City the warm, warm favourites to win the tie in 90 minutes here.
The value, almost certainly would be with Forest.
You just can’t ignore City in these situations though.
- Nottm Forest 15/4
- Draw 29/10
- Man City 13/20
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