| Liverpool vs Nottm | |
| MATCH | Premier League |
| DATE | 29 - 08 - 2026 |
| TIME | 05.00 PM IST |
| STADIUM | Liverpool |
Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest: Match Preview, Team News and Prediction
Liverpool will be looking to make the most of home advantage when they welcome Nottingham Forest to Anfield in the Premier League this weekend.
The Reds began the 2026-27 campaign with an entertaining 2-2 draw against Newcastle United. Despite twice falling behind, Liverpool showed plenty of character to rescue a point, with Dominik Szoboszlai converting a stoppage-time penalty.
However, the result also highlighted several areas that new manager Andoni Iraola will want to improve. Liverpool struggled to create enough clear opportunities for Alexander Isak, while their midfield was criticised for its defensive shortcomings.
Cody Gakpo was among the goals against Newcastle, but Liverpool's attacking unit lacked consistency for long periods. Iraola will now be hoping for a more controlled performance in front of the home supporters, particularly with Liverpool historically strong in their opening home league fixtures.
The Reds have won their first home Premier League match in 12 of the last 13 seasons, giving them plenty of reason for confidence ahead of Forest's visit.
Forest looking for a response
Nottingham Forest have had a difficult start to the new campaign under Oliver Glasner.
The visitors began their Premier League season with a narrow 1-0 defeat against Leeds United before suffering another setback against the same opposition in the EFL Cup, losing 2-0.
The back-to-back defeats have increased the pressure surrounding Glasner, particularly after Forest's recent managerial instability. The Austrian is already the club's fifth manager in less than a year, making a positive result at Anfield particularly important.
Forest's biggest concern has been their lack of attacking threat. They have failed to score in four of their last six matches, and they will need a significant improvement in front of goal if they are to take anything away from Merseyside.
Nevertheless, Forest can take encouragement from their recent record against Liverpool. They have lost only once in their last four meetings with the Reds, recording two victories and one draw during that run.
Liverpool's vulnerability against counter-attacking teams could also give the visitors opportunities if they can remain compact and make the most of their chances.
Liverpool team news
Liverpool continue to deal with several injury concerns.
Giovanni Leoni and Conor Bradley remain sidelined as they recover from knee injuries, while Joe Gomez is also unavailable because of a muscle problem.
Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez could therefore start in the full-back positions, with Jeremy Jacquet expected to partner captain Virgil van Dijk in central defence. Ronald Araujo may provide an option from the substitutes' bench.
Alexander Isak is expected to lead the attack, with Florian Wirtz, Cody Gakpo and Rio Ngumoha potentially featuring around the Swedish striker.
Hugo Ekitike remains in rehabilitation following his Achilles injury and is not expected to feature.
Nottingham Forest team news
Forest will be without Nicolo Savona, who remains out while recovering from a knee injury.
Neco Williams is doubtful after picking up a knock against Leeds, meaning Luca Netz and Ola Aina could be used as the wing-backs if he fails to recover in time.
Jair Cunha, Nikola Milenkovic and Murillo are expected to form the defensive trio, while Ryan Yates is unavailable.
The biggest concern surrounds Morgan Gibbs-White. The influential midfielder is carrying a knee strain but Forest are hopeful that he will recover in time to face Liverpool.
What to expect
Liverpool are likely to dominate possession and put Forest under pressure from the opening stages, particularly with the Anfield crowd behind them.
Forest's best route to success could be through quick transitions and counter-attacks. If they can frustrate Liverpool and exploit spaces behind the Reds' defence, they could make the contest uncomfortable.
However, Liverpool's attacking quality and home advantage should give them the edge. Iraola will want a much more disciplined performance from his side, but Forest's recent scoring problems could prove decisive.
Prediction
Liverpool 2-1 Nottingham Forest
Liverpool should have enough quality to claim their first Premier League victory of the season, although Forest's counter-attacking threat could make this a closer contest than expected.
