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Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest: Match preview, team news and predicted line-ups
29th August, 2026 10:49 AM
Liverpool will welcome Nottingham Forest to Anfield on Saturday as they play their first home Premier League match of the 2026/27 campaign, with both sides looking for a much-needed boost.
The Reds were held to a draw on the opening weekend, while Forest arrive on Merseyside having suffered defeats in both of their first two competitive matches this season.
Liverpool seeking a stronger home performance
Liverpool endured a difficult 2025/26 campaign under former boss Arne Slot, and new manager Andoni Iraola will be eager to oversee a more convincing display when his team appears before the Anfield crowd for the first time in the league.
The reigning champions were forced to settle for a 2-2 draw against Newcastle United in their season opener. Liverpool fell behind twice but eventually rescued a point deep into stoppage time when Dominik Szoboszlai converted from the penalty spot.
Although the result prevented defeat, the performance highlighted several areas that Iraola still needs to address. Liverpool entered the contest with a relatively thin squad, increasing the pressure on the club to strengthen before the transfer window closes.
Rio Ngumoha operated on the right side of the attack, with Cody Gakpo deployed on the opposite flank. Gakpo found the net, but Liverpool struggled to provide enough service for £125 million forward Alexander Isak to make a major impact.
Questions were also raised about Liverpool’s midfield pairing of Ryan Gravenberch and Szoboszlai. Both players were criticised for their defensive contribution after being involved in the build-up to Newcastle’s goals. Liverpool have reportedly considered Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara as a potential addition to their midfield options.
Saturday will therefore provide Iraola with his first opportunity to manage Liverpool in a league fixture at Anfield. The historical record should give him some encouragement, with Liverpool having won their opening home league match in 12 of the previous 13 seasons.
Forest facing early pressure
Nottingham Forest, meanwhile, have already experienced a difficult beginning to the new campaign.
The club’s managerial situation has been unsettled in recent times, and Oliver Glasner’s arrival has done little to calm the situation so far. Forest began their Premier League season with a 1-0 defeat against Leeds United before suffering another loss to the same opponent in the EFL Cup, going down 2-0 three days later.
Another defeat at Anfield would give Forest three successive losses and could increase scrutiny on Glasner, particularly given the remarkable turnover in the City Ground dugout. The Austrian is reportedly the club’s fifth manager in less than a year.
Forest have also struggled in front of goal, failing to score in four of their last six matches. They will need a significant improvement in attack if they are to leave Merseyside with anything to show for their efforts.
However, there are reasons for Forest supporters to remain hopeful. Liverpool have shown weaknesses when opponents attack them quickly on the counter, while Forest have lost only once in their last four meetings with the Reds, recording two victories and one draw during that run.
Team news
Liverpool remain without several players dealing with longer-term injuries.
Centre-back Giovanni Leoni and right-back Conor Bradley are still recovering from knee problems and are unavailable. Iraola could consequently use Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez at full-back, with Jeremy Jacquet partnering captain Virgil van Dijk in central defence.
Ronald Araujo could be among the substitutes, while Joe Gomez remains out with a muscular problem.
Hugo Ekitike is continuing his rehabilitation from the Achilles injury he suffered in April. Isak is therefore expected to lead Liverpool’s attack, with Ngumoha, Florian Wirtz and Gakpo potentially operating behind him.
Forest are also dealing with fitness concerns. Nicolo Savona is expected to remain out for several more weeks after suffering a setback during his recovery from a knee injury.
Neco Williams is a doubt after picking up a knock during Tuesday’s meeting with Leeds. Should he fail to recover in time, Luca Netz and Ola Aina are expected to occupy the wing-back positions.
Jair Cunha, Nikola Milenkovic and Murillo could form the three-man defence, while Ryan Yates is unavailable.
Morgan Gibbs-White is another fitness concern after sustaining a knee strain. Forest’s medical team are working to make the influential midfielder available for the trip to Anfield.
Liverpool predicted XI
Alisson; Frimpong, Jacquet, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Szoboszlai, Gravenberch; Ngumoha, Wirtz, Gakpo; Isak.
Nottingham Forest predicted XI
Sels; Cunha, Milenkovic, Murillo; Aina, McAtee, Sangare, Netz; Gibbs-White, Ndoye; Jesus.
Prediction: Liverpool 2-1 Nottingham Forest
Liverpool did not produce a particularly convincing display against Newcastle, but playing in front of their home supporters should provide Iraola’s side with an additional lift.
Forest’s recent struggles in front of goal make Liverpool the favourites, although the Reds’ defensive shortcomings could give the visitors an opportunity to find the net.
The expectation is therefore for Liverpool to claim their first league victory of the campaign, but Forest could make the contest competitive and potentially score at Anfield.
