Nottingham Forest vs Liverpool Lineups, Prediction, Team News, Injury And Preview

Nottingham Forest vs Liverpool Prediction: Liverpool will likely defeat Nottingham Forest 3-1 at the City Ground on February 22, 2026, as the Reds possess superior attacking quality with Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo leading their front line, while Forest faces fatigue from their midweek Europa League trip to Turkey and struggles to score at home with just one goal in each of their last four Premier League matches at the City Ground.

Match Overview

Detail	Information
Competition	Premier League 2025/26 – Matchweek 27
Date	Sunday, February 22, 2026
Kick-off Time	7:30 PM GMT
Venue	City Ground, Nottingham
Referee	To be confirmed
Current Form	Forest: W-D-L-D-W / Liverpool: W-L-W-L-W

Key Facts

• Nottingham Forest appointed Vitor Pereira as their new manager after Sean Dyche’s controversial departure.
• Pereira secured a 3-0 victory over Fenerbahce in his first match, maintaining his record of staying unbeaten in 15 consecutive managerial debuts.
• Liverpool defeated Brighton 3-0 in the FA Cup with goals from Curtis Jones, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Mohamed Salah.
• Forest sits in 17th position with 27 points, just three points above the relegation zone.
• Liverpool occupies 6th place with 42 points, trailing fourth-placed Manchester United by three points.
• Forest defeated Liverpool 3-0 at Anfield in November 2025, marking their third consecutive unbeaten match against the champions.
• Liverpool has won only two of their last six Premier League matches.
• Forest remains unbeaten in their last six Premier League games, with just one defeat.
• The hosts have drawn their last three home Premier League matches.
• Liverpool aims to win consecutive away league games for the first time since September.

Nottingham Forest vs Liverpool Preview

Nottingham Forest enters this fixture fighting relegation. The club sits 17th with 27 points, maintaining a narrow three-point cushion over 18th-placed West Ham United.

Vitor Pereira’s appointment represents a calculated gamble by the Forest hierarchy, who dismissed Sean Dyche despite the team’s relatively stable position.

Liverpool pursues Champions League qualification while keeping FA Cup and Champions League trophy hopes alive.

The Reds won four of their last five matches across all competitions, though Premier League consistency remains elusive. Only two victories from six league games demonstrate the challenge Arne Slot faces in securing a top-four finish.

Expected Nottingham Forest vs Liverpool Lineups and Formations

Nottingham Forest Predicted XI (4-2-3-1)

Goalkeeper: Stefan Ortega

Defense: Ola Aina, Nikola Milenkovic, Murillo, Neco Williams

Midfield: Elliot Anderson, Ibrahim Sangare

Attacking Midfield: Jota Silva, Morgan Gibbs-White, Callum Hudson-Odoi

Forward: Igor Jesus

Vitor Pereira will likely maintain the system that worked effectively against Fenerbahce.

Murillo scored in both the Europa League clash and the previous meeting with Liverpool at Anfield, making him a significant threat from set pieces.

Liverpool Predicted XI (4-3-3)

Goalkeeper: Alisson Becker

Defense: Dominik Szoboszlai, Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk, Milos Kerkez

Midfield: Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch, Florian Wirtz

Attack: Mohamed Salah, Hugo Ekitike, Cody Gakpo

Arne Slot faces tactical decisions after Curtis Jones performed well at right-back against Brighton.

However, Gravenberch’s expected return could see Szoboszlai deployed in that auxiliary defensive role instead.

Complete Injury Report

Nottingham Forest Injuries

Confirmed Absences

• Willy Boly (Knee) – Long-term absence
• Chris Wood (Knee) – Unavailable
• John Victor (Knee) – Sidelined
• Nicolo Savona (Knee) – Out
• Matz Sels (Groin) – Ruled out

The injury to first-choice goalkeeper Matz Sels means Stefan Ortega continues between the posts. The absence of Chris Wood removes Forest’s primary aerial threat, though Igor Jesus has adapted well to the central striker role.

Liverpool Injuries

Confirmed Absences

• Jeremie Frimpong (Hamstring) – Targeting return for West Ham on February 28
• Wataru Endo (Ankle) – Unavailable
• Giovanni Leoni (Knee) – Sidelined
• Conor Bradley (Knee) – Out
• Alexander Isak (Leg) – Recovering, new timeframe provided by Slot

Frimpong’s hamstring problem continues to limit Liverpool’s options at right-back, forcing tactical adjustments. The absence of Endo reduces midfield depth, though Gravenberch’s fitness provides relief.

Key Injuries That Could Shift the Game

Chris Wood’s absence significantly impacts Forest’s attacking approach. The New Zealand international provides physical presence and aerial dominance that Igor Jesus cannot replicate.

Forest scored just once in each of their last four home league matches, highlighting their offensive struggles.

For Liverpool, Jeremie Frimpong’s unavailability forces Arne Slot into creative solutions.

The makeshift right-back arrangements have worked against Brighton but face a sterner test against Forest’s dynamic left flank featuring Neco Williams and Callum Hudson-Odoi.

Alexander Isak’s continued absence limits Liverpool’s striking options, though Hugo Ekitike has shown promise in recent appearances.

Where to Watch Live

India: Star Sports Select HD1, JioHotstar, Star Sports Select 1

United Kingdom: Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Go UK, NOW, Sky Ultra HD, BBC Radio 5 Live

United States: NBCSN, Peacock, SiriusXM FC

International: Over 150 countries have confirmed broadcast arrangements through various regional sports networks and streaming platforms.

Tactical Analysis

Forest’s 4-2-3-1 formation under Pereira emphasizes defensive solidity with quick transitions.

The double pivot of Anderson and Sangare provides protection, allowing the attacking trio of Silva, Gibbs-White, and Hudson-Odoi to exploit spaces on the counter.

Liverpool’s 4-3-3 system relies on controlling possession through the midfield triangle.

Gravenberch’s return strengthens their ability to dictate tempo, while Wirtz’s creativity unlocks defensive structures. The width provided by Salah and Gakpo stretches opponents, creating central spaces for Ekitike.

Read Chelsea vs Burnley Prediction.

Head-to-Head

Forest defeated Liverpool 3-0 at Anfield in November 2025, their most recent encounter.

This victory extended Forest’s unbeaten run against Liverpool to three matches, a remarkable achievement considering Liverpool’s status as defending champions.

Historical data shows Liverpool traditionally dominates this fixture. However, recent form suggests a shift in momentum.

Forest’s defensive organization has improved significantly, conceding just once in their last four home league matches.

Liverpool’s away form presents concerns. The Reds haven’t won consecutive Premier League away games since September, highlighting their struggles for consistency on the road.

Key Players to Watch

Morgan Gibbs-White (Forest)

The attacking midfielder scored against Fenerbahce and netted in the previous meeting with Liverpool. His creativity and set-piece delivery make him Forest’s primary offensive weapon.

Murillo (Forest)

The Brazilian defender scored in both recent matches against Liverpool and Fenerbahce. His ability to contribute at both ends makes him invaluable to Forest’s cause.

Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)

The Egyptian forward remains Liverpool’s most dangerous attacking threat. His goal against Brighton demonstrated his continued sharpness despite the team’s inconsistent form.

Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool)

The Dutch midfielder’s return provides Liverpool with much-needed control in the center of the park. His ability to dictate tempo could prove decisive.

Expert Insight

Vitor Pereira’s appointment brings tactical flexibility that Forest lacked under Sean Dyche.

His record of remaining unbeaten in 15 consecutive managerial debuts suggests strong motivational skills and tactical preparation. However, the physical and mental demands of Thursday’s Europa League trip to Turkey could impact Forest’s performance.

Liverpool’s makeshift defensive arrangements create vulnerability. Curtis Jones and Dominik Szoboszlai operating as auxiliary full-backs worked against Brighton’s possession-based approach but may struggle against Forest’s direct counter-attacking style.

Current Premier League Standings

Liverpool (6th): 26 matches, 12 wins, 6 draws, 8 losses, 42 points, +6 goal difference

Nottingham Forest (17th): 26 matches, 7 wins, 6 draws, 13 losses, 27 points, -13 goal difference

The 15-point gap between the teams reflects their contrasting seasons, though Forest’s recent resilience suggests they won’t surrender easily.

Nottingham Forest vs Liverpool Prediction

Liverpool enters as favorites based on squad quality and recent momentum.

However, Forest’s new manager bounce, home advantage, and previous success against the Reds create uncertainty. The hosts’ fatigue from Thursday’s European exertions could prove decisive.

The tactical battle between Pereira’s organized defensive structure and Slot’s possession-based approach will determine the outcome.

Liverpool’s superior individual quality should eventually break down Forest’s resistance, though the hosts will create opportunities on the counter.

Predicted Score: Nottingham Forest 1-3 Liverpool

Liverpool’s attacking firepower and Forest’s travel fatigue suggest the visitors will claim all three points, though the hosts will make them work for the victory.

FAQs