The Champions League race is combined with the relegation fight at the City Ground on Sunday, as Liverpool look to strengthen their top-four ambitions following crucial victories over Sunderland and Brighton.
Arne Slot is still under pressure, although his side enters this clash in relatively strong goal-scoring form.
Liverpool face a tricky test against a Nottingham Forest side entering the “Vitor Pereira era” after his recent appointment as manager.
While the Reds are favourites, Forest proved they are no pushovers by stunning Liverpool 3-0 at Anfield earlier this season.
Forest are currently priced at 5/2Â for the drop in the Premier League relegation odds.
The Midlands outfit will be buoyed by a midweek European win over Fenerbahce and with Liverpool managing a growing injury list – including Jeremie Frimpong and Wataru Endo – this encounter promises plenty of tactical drama.
Nottingham Forest vs Liverpool Betting Tips
- Neco Williams to have 1+ Shots on Target @ 2/1
- Elliot Anderson to be Carded @ 3/1
- Liverpool to Win to Nil @ 12/5Â
Nottingham Forest vs Liverpool Prediction
Liverpool arrive at the City Ground as strong favorites, but this fixture is a certified “banana skin.”
While the Reds are in superior form, winning four of their last five, they are haunted by November’s 3-0 humbling at Anfield.
Forest, now under the guidance of Pereira, are searching for a “new manager bounce” to escape the relegation scrap.
Despite still missing Alexander Isak and Jeremie Frimpong, Liverpool’s depth should prevail.
Expect a tight, tactical battle that opens up late, with Liverpool’s quality in transition securing a hard-fought 2-0 victory to keep their Champions League hopes firmly on track.
Gemini Nottingham Forest vs Liverpool Tip: Neco Williams 1+ Shots on Target
Under new boss Pereira, Nottingham Forest have shown a high-energy, transitional style, as seen in their midweek 3-0 win over Fenerbahce.
Neco Williams has become a focal point of this attack from wing-back; he registered a staggering seven shots against Wolves in his last league outing and followed it up with three more in Europe.
Facing his former club, Williams often pushes higher up the pitch, and with Liverpool’s high defensive line frequently leaving space for late-arriving runners, he is excellent value to test Alisson at least once.
- Neco Williams to have 1+ Shots on Target @ 2/1
ChatGPT Nottingham Forest vs Liverpool Tip: Elliot Anderson to be Carded @ 3/1
Anderson has been booked 4 times this Premier League season so far and he’s committed more fouls this season (38) – than any of his Forest teammates.
As a midfielder with defensive responsibilities, he’ll certainly be busy against Liverpool’s dynamic attack.
Anderson will be tasked with getting stuck in on Sunday. Against quicker and more technically proficient opponents (like Liverpool’s midfield), he will be at risk of picking up a booking for a mistimed tackle or a tactical foul.
- Elliot Anderson to be Carded @ 3/1
Grok Nottingham Forest vs Liverpool Tip: Liverpool to Win to Nil
Liverpool are strong favourites (around 8/11 to win, with win-to-nil at 23/10 offering value) as they seek revenge for their earlier 3-0 home loss to Forest.
Predictions favour a low-scoring Liverpool victory, with clean sheets common in their wins and Forest struggling offensively (25 goals in 26 games).
Liverpool’s improved defence under Slot, plus Forest’s fatigue from recent travels, support a clean-sheet Reds win in this must-win fixture.
- Liverpool to Win to Nil @ 12/5Â
Nottingham Forest vs Liverpool Odds
Liverpool to win: ~5/6 — Liverpool are clear favourites in the win market, with implied probabilities around 50–55 % according to bookmaker averages. Their stronger squad and league position underpin this pricing.
Draw: ~4/1 — The draw market implies a ~23–25 % chance, showing bookmakers still see a stalemate as a realistic alternative, especially given Forest’s ability to frustrate stronger teams.
Forest to win: ~17/5 — Forest are priced as underdogs with implied chances around 23–24 %; home advantage and recent competitive performances keep them in the mix.
Nottingham Forest vs Liverpool Team News & Predicted Lineup
Both teams enter Sunday’s clash at the City Ground with significant availability concerns. While Nottingham Forest are managing the physical toll of a midweek European trip, Liverpool are navigating a lengthy injury list that has sidelined several key summer signings.
Nottingham Forest Team News
Pereira enjoyed a dream debut with a 3-0 win over Fenerbahce on Thursday, but the quick turnaround poses fitness challenges.
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Returning: Morgan Gibbs-White and Igor Jesus both scored in midweek and are expected to start, despite recent knocks.
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Out: Forest are without Chris Wood (knee), Willy Boly (knee), and Matz Sels (muscle).
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Doubtful: Murillo is battling a calf issue but may be risked given his importance to the backline.
Liverpool Team News
Slot confirmed in his Friday press conference that while the squad is “in a much better place” than earlier this season, several stars remain out through injury.
- Returning: Joe Gomez is fit and “ready to start,” potentially replacing Ibrahima Konaté to manage minutes.
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Out: Alexander Isak is back in “running shoes” but still weeks away from a return. Jeremie Frimpong (muscle) and Wataru Endo (ankle) have been ruled out for Sunday.
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Availability: Mohamed Salah, Florian Wirtz, and Hugo Ekitike are all fit and expected to lead the line.
Nottingham Forest (4-2-3-1)
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GK: Stefan Ortega
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DEF: Ola Aina, Nikola Milenkovic, Murillo, Neco Williams
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MID: Ibrahim Sangaré, Elliot Anderson
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ATT: Omari Hutchinson, Morgan Gibbs-White, Callum Hudson-Odoi
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ST: Igor Jesus
Liverpool (4-2-3-1)
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GK: Alisson Becker
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DEF: Curtis Jones, Ibrahima Konaté, Virgil van Dijk, Andrew Robertson
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MID: Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister
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ATT: Mohamed Salah, Florian Wirtz, Cody Gakpo
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ST: Hugo Ekitike
Nottingham Forest vs Liverpool Stats and Trends
- Forest have had four permanent managers this season, matching Watford’s Premier League record.
- They registered 35 shots without scoring in their recent 0-0 draw with Wolves.
- Forest beat Liverpool 3-0 at Anfield in November, their second straight win there.
- Vitor Pereira takes charge of his first Premier League match after being appointed last Sunday.
- Liverpool have scored 15 goals in their last five matches.
- The Reds have won just twice in the Premier League in 2026.
- Slot’s side sit third in the xG table, underperforming expected points by 1.8.
- Liverpool are without Frimpong, Bradley and Endo, leaving their right-back options depleted.
