Liverpool v Nottingham Forest  – Preview, Predictions, and Best Bets

Liverpool face Nottingham Forest The Reds have made a perfect start under Arne Slot, with three wins and no goals conceded. Forest, meanwhile, have had a strong start themselves, securing one win and two draws in the league. Liverpool won both of last season’s meetings against Forest without conceding a goal.

Liverpool Form

Liverpool gave Jurgen Klopp a fitting send-off last season, despite falling short in the FA Cup, Premier League, and Europa League. After a 2-0 defeat to Everton, they went unbeaten in their final four matches. A 2-2 draw at West Ham was followed by a 4-2 win over Tottenham and a 3-3 draw at Aston Villa. They capped the season with a 2-0 win over Wolves in Klopp’s farewell match.

This season, Liverpool began with a 2-0 win at Ipswich Town, followed by a 2-0 home victory against Brentford, generating 19 shots and 2.65 expected goals. Before the international break, they destroyed Manchester United 3-0 at Old Trafford, creating six big chances.

Liverpool Team News

Coach Arne Slot may opt to rest Luis Diaz after his 180-minute stint for his national team during the international break. Cody Gakpo could start, and Federico Chiesa is expected to be on the bench for the first time.

Harvey Elliott is out with a broken foot, while Curtis Jones is doubtful. Alexis Mac Allister is expected to shake off a knock and start in midfield.

Liverpool Motivation

Liverpool will approach this match with the intent to win convincingly. They are likely to attack from the start and could exploit their depth in the second half with a strong bench.

With an upcoming Champions League trip to AC Milan on Tuesday, Slot may rotate his squad, possibly substituting key players like Mohamed Salah early in the game.

Forest Form

Forest had a tough end to last season, losing seven of their 11 league matches between late February and late April. However, Nuno Espírito Santo’s side finished on a high with a 3-1 win over Sheffield United and a 2-1 victory against Burnley in their final two matches.

This season has started well for Forest. They conceded late in a 1-1 home draw against Bournemouth on the opening day before beating Southampton 1-0. Despite having only 35% possession, Forest produced 2.45 expected goals and 23 shots. After a penalty shootout loss to Newcastle in the Carabao Cup, they drew 1-1 at home to Wolves, having 16 shots in the match.

Forest Team News

Nuno will be without midfielder Danilo, who is out for several months with an injury. Elliot Anderson is expected to replace him in the starting lineup. Wily Boly and Ibrahima Sangaré are doubtful, with late fitness tests determining their availability.

Chris Wood is likely to start, despite having played in the USA for New Zealand in the early hours of Wednesday. Nuno may also consider adding an extra defender to the lineup, leaving out one of the wingers.

Forest Motivation

Forest’s approach will depend on Nuno’s team selection. If they field a back five, it will indicate they are looking to frustrate Liverpool and escape with a draw. However, if Nuno sticks with a back four and his usual attacking setup, Forest may go on the offensive, risking exposure to a heavy defeat.

Key Stats

Liverpool have lost just once in their last 49 home league matches (38 wins, 10 draws).

Liverpool have scored 19 goals in their last 7 home league matches.

Mohamed Salah has 3 goals and 3 assists so far this season.

Nottingham Forest lost to nil in both matches against Liverpool last season.

Forest have conceded 3 goals in their last 2 trips to Anfield.

Forest lost 11 of their 19 away matches last season, conceding 37 goals.

Verdict

While Nottingham Forest are a solid team, the odds favor Liverpool for a comfortable win. A victory without conceding and by more than one goal seems likely.