Liverpool welcome Nottingham Forest to Anfield in the second round of the 2026/27 Premier League season. The match will take place on Saturday, August 29, with kick-off scheduled for 11:30 UTC.
The Reds return home after drawing 2-2 with Newcastle in their opening league match. Nottingham Forest, meanwhile, started their campaign with a 2-0 home defeat against Leeds United.
Liverpool are the favourites due to their attacking quality and home advantage. However, their recent defensive performances suggest that Forest may still create chances.
Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest Match Information
- Competition: Premier League – Round 2
- Date: Saturday, August 29, 2026
- Kick-off: 11:30 UTC
- Stadium: Anfield, Liverpool
- Referee: Samuel Barrott
- Liverpool formation: 4-2-3-1
- Nottingham Forest formation: 3-4-2-1
Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest Prediction: Quick Summary
🔥 Main Pick: Liverpool to Win
🛡️ Safe Pick: Over 1.5 Match Goals
⚽ Goals Pick: Liverpool Over 1.5 Team Goals
💎 Value Pick: Liverpool to Win & Over 1.5 Goals
🎯 Predicted Score: Liverpool 2-1 Nottingham Forest
Liverpool Current Form and Team News
Liverpool began their Premier League season with a 2-2 draw away to Newcastle. That result showed the attacking potential within the squad, but it also raised questions about their defensive stability.
The Reds have produced mixed results across their latest matches. They defeated Como 2-0 but also suffered defeats against Monaco and Leeds during their recent preparations.
Returning to Anfield should give Liverpool a significant boost. They are usually more aggressive at home and should control possession for long periods. Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai can set the tempo in midfield, while Florian Wirtz will be expected to operate between the lines.
Alexander Isak is predicted to lead the attack. Cody Gakpo and Rio Ngumoha could provide width, movement and support around the penalty area.
Liverpool do have several injury concerns. Conor Bradley, Giovanni Leoni, Joe Gomez and Hugo Ekitiké are among the players expected to miss the match. Vítezslav Jaros and Stefan Bajcetic are also listed as doubtful.
Nottingham Forest Current Form and Team News
Nottingham Forest arrive at Anfield after losing their opening Premier League game 2-0 against Leeds. They also suffered another recent defeat against the same opponent.
Forest did record encouraging wins over Brest and Bayer Leverkusen during their preparations. However, facing Liverpool at Anfield presents a much more demanding test.
Oliver Glasner is expected to use a 3-4-2-1 formation. This system could allow Forest to defend with five players when Liverpool have possession. Ola Aina and Neco Williams will have important defensive roles on the wings.
Morgan Gibbs-White and Dan Ndoye should operate behind Igor Jesus. Their movement on the counterattack may offer Forest their best route to goal.
Nicolò Savona is unavailable because of a knee injury. Ryan Yates is also unlikely to feature as he continues to work on his fitness.
Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest Head-to-Head Record
The recent head-to-head record shows that Nottingham Forest should not be underestimated. Across the latest nine meetings recorded between the teams, Liverpool have five wins, Forest have three and one match ended in a draw.
Forest have caused Liverpool problems through disciplined defending and quick transitions in previous encounters. Liverpool will therefore need to remain patient and avoid leaving too much space behind their full-backs.
The Reds still have the stronger squad on paper. Their home advantage also makes them the more likely winners, but this may not be a completely comfortable afternoon.
Tactical Analysis
Liverpool should dominate possession and attempt to push Forest deep into their own half. Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez can provide width, allowing Gakpo and Ngumoha to move into more central positions.
Wirtz could become Liverpool’s most influential player in the final third. His ability to receive the ball between midfield and defence may help create space for Isak.
Forest will probably defend in a compact shape before attacking quickly after turnovers. Gibbs-White’s passing and Ndoye’s pace could trouble Liverpool if the home side lose possession in dangerous areas.
The first goal may shape the entire contest. An early Liverpool goal would force Forest to become more adventurous. If the visitors remain level for a long period, Liverpool may need patience to break down their defensive structure.
Liverpool Predicted Lineup
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Alisson Becker; Jeremie Frimpong, Jérémy Jacquet, Virgil van Dijk, Milos Kerkez; Ryan Gravenberch, Dominik Szoboszlai; Rio Ngumoha, Florian Wirtz, Cody Gakpo; Alexander Isak.
Nottingham Forest Predicted Lineup
Formation: 3-4-2-1
Matz Sels; Jair Cunha, Nikola Milenkovic, Murillo; Ola Aina, James McAtee, Ibrahim Sangaré, Neco Williams; Morgan Gibbs-White, Dan Ndoye; Igor Jesus.
Expert Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest Predictions
Liverpool to Win
Liverpool have the better squad and will be playing their first home league match of the season. They should create enough chances to take all three points, although Forest may make the game competitive.
Over 1.5 Match Goals
Both teams have players capable of creating chances in transition. Liverpool’s attacking quality makes at least two total goals a reasonable selection.
Liverpool Over 1.5 Team Goals
With Isak, Wirtz and Gakpo involved in the attack, Liverpool should generate several scoring opportunities. Forest have also conceded four goals across their two recent matches against Leeds.
Liverpool to Win and Over 1.5 Goals
Combining a Liverpool victory with over 1.5 match goals offers a more ambitious option. This prediction suits a possible 2-0, 2-1 or 3-1 home win.
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Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest Correct Score Prediction
Our final prediction is a 2-1 victory for Liverpool.
Liverpool should control most of the possession and create the better opportunities. Nottingham Forest may threaten on the counterattack, but the Reds’ attacking depth and Anfield advantage should eventually make the difference.
⭐ Final Prediction: Liverpool 2-1 Nottingham Forest
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