Liverpool will look to reignite their Premier League campaign when they host an improving Nottingham Forest side at Anfield, with both teams in desperate need of momentum as the season approaches a critical phase.
Team News and Lineups
Reds manager Arne Slot has reacted to last weekend’s 3-0 defeat to Manchester City with five changes, most notably restoring Alisson to the starting XI. The Brazilian’s return bolsters a defense that has conceded in ten consecutive matches, raising concerns despite Liverpool’s strong home record.
Other expected starters include Van Dijk, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Gakpo, and new signing Alexander Isak, while the likes of Kerkez and Curtis Jones also come into the side. The right-back position remains problematic with Conor Bradley unavailable, leaving Liverpool short in that area.
Liverpool bench options include Kelleher, Endo, Gomez, Chiesa, Robertson, Nyoni, Ramsay, and Ngumoha, offering depth should the match tighten.
Nottingham Forest boss Sean Dyche is set to stick with the lineup that beat Leeds 3-1, maintaining stability in a side that has quietly gone three games unbeaten. However, Forest travel without key striker Chris Wood and defender Ola Aina, while Callum Hudson-Odoi remains a doubt, weakening both ends of the pitch.
Recent Form and Context
Liverpool’s slump has seen them fall to eighth place, losing five of their last six league matches and slipping eight points behind leaders Arsenal. Despite their struggles, they remain formidable at Anfield, where they have lost just once this season.
Forest, positioned 19th and battling relegation, have shown signs of revival under Dyche. Their resilience has improved, but their away form remains poor, with only two wins in their last thirteen road fixtures and none so far this season.
Tactical Overview
Liverpool continue to dominate possession, averaging 60.7% and 14 attempts per match, but defensive lapses have become a recurring issue. Slot’s side often control games yet fail to convert chances into comfortable scorelines.
Forest, meanwhile, rely on compact structure and disciplined defending, looking to frustrate opponents and strike on the counter. Their attacking output has been limited, averaging under one goal per game, but Dyche’s organization has made them harder to break down.
Predictions and Betting Outlook
Most analysts expect Liverpool to respond at home, with many backing a Liverpool win with Both Teams To Score given defensive vulnerabilities on both sides. Suggested scorelines include:
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Liverpool 2-1 Nottingham Forest
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Liverpool win + BTTS
Bookmakers reflect that confidence, pricing Forest as big outsiders, with some odds reaching 7.5 for an away victory.
Verdict
Liverpool enter as clear favorites, boosted by Alisson’s return and Anfield’s influence, but Forest’s improved structure could make this a tighter contest than expected. With both sides needing points, the stakes are high—and goals appear likely.
Prediction: Liverpool 2-1 Nottingham Forest
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