When Oliver Glasner’s Nottingham Forest welcome Enzo Maresca's league-leading Manchester City to the City Ground this Saturday, a number of exceptional youngsters will be keen to show what they can do.
The two sides fought out a dramatic 2-2 draw at the Etihad Stadium back in March, but the summer transfer window brought sweeping changes, none bigger than former Forest star Elliot Anderson completing a high-profile move to City.
With heavy fixture schedules and key injuries shaping both teams, including the absence of Antoine Semenyo for City and Nico Savona for the hosts, both managers are trusting their best young prospects with major responsibilities.
Built on verified 2026/27 performance metrics, Striver.Football profiles five youngsters you should cast your eye on during the game.
Nottingham Forest
Jair Cunha
Age: 21 years old
Verified 2026/27 Stats: 8 Premier League apps| 1 Goal
The 21-year-old Brazilian center-back has displayed impressive tactical growth across five Premier League appearances and 360 minutes played.
Cunha pairs strong one v one defensive capabilities with commanding aerial authority, registering 24 key clearances.
With Glasner managing squad rotation during a demanding run of games, Cunha’s ability to defend in large spaces and stop counter-attacks will be vital for City’s defensive structure.
Liam Delap
Age: 23 years old
Verified 2026/27 Stats: 5 Premier League starts | 4 chances created | 13 defensive recoveries
The 23-year-old center-forward offers Forest a dynamic physical reference point in attack across five starts.
Delap excels at making unselfish runs into defensive channels, creating four chances and making 13 defensive recoveries through active pressing.
Eager to end a brief five-game goal drought, his combative hold-up play and physical duels against Khusanov will set the tone for Forest’s frontline.
Manchester City
Rayan Cherki
Age: 23 years old
Verified 2026/27 Stats: 8 Premier League apps | 8 Goals | 91.2% pass accuracy
The 23-year-old French creative playmaker has become Man City’s main orchestrator-in-chief. Cherki thrives on tight spatial control and slicing centrally from wide channels, having already notched four critical league goals this season alongside a 91.2% pass accuracy over eight appearances.
Abdukodir Khusanov
Age: 22 years old
Verified 2026/27 Stats: 6 Premier League apps | 90% progressive pass accuracy | 27 clearances
The 22-year-old Uzbek international defender has established himself as a central pillar in Maresca’s backline across six Premier League appearances.
Khusanov combines raw physical power and pace with exceptional composure on the ball, recording a 90% progressive pass accuracy and 27 clearances. His speed allows him to stop transitional situations by the opposition.
Fresh off a dominant mid-week European performance, his spatial awareness and acceleration will face the ultimate test against Liam Delap.
Nico O'Reilly
Age: 21 years old
Verified 2026/27 Stats: 9 Premier League apps | 2 assists
The towering 21-year-old English inverted left back brings structure, physical presence, and defensive balance to Man City's central setup over his seven league appearances.
O'Reilly reads opposition counter-pressing triggers with maturity, keeping build-up play clean under pressure and delivering flawless passing records in cup action. He is also adept at creating midfield overloads when City have the ball.
His main job on Saturday will be tracking Fores's late runners and disrupting their passing channels before transitions develop out wide without the ball, as well as keep City's posession game ticking.
Key Lessons for Aspiring Young Footballers
Adaptability Opens Doors: Liam Delap shows how crucial it is to adapt quickly to new environments and tactical systems. Moving clubs or changing roles requires mentally embracing new instructions rather than relying solely on natural talent.
Technical Precision Beats Pressure : Nico O'Reilly and Abdukodir Khusanov demonstrate that high pass accuracy under pressure is what earns a manager's trust. Focus on mastering the basics, first touch, body orientation, and passing weight, so you can execute cleanly under high intensity.
Defensive Work Rate Creates Opportunity: Liam Delap’s 13 defensive recoveries as a central striker highlight how modern football demands work off the ball from every position. Pressing hard, tracking back, and supporting the team defensively will always earn you minutes on the pitch.
Patience in the System: Jair Cunha’s continuous development proves the value of staying patient and staying prepared for rotation. When your opportunity comes in a high-stakes match, execution relies on the work you put in during training every day beforehand.
