Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest: Prediction, Team News & Lineups | 29 August 2026

Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest prediction: the Reds return to Anfield after an uneven opening draw at Newcastle, while Forest arrive after consecutive defeats and mounting early-season pressure. Our prediction is Liverpool 2-0 Nottingham Forest.

Match Details

• Fixture: Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest
• Competition: Premier League
• Date: Saturday, 29 August 2026
• Venue: Anfield
• Prediction: Liverpool 2-0 Nottingham Forest

Match Preview

Liverpool begin a new chapter at Anfield on Saturday as Andoni Iraola takes charge of his first home Premier League match.

The Reds opened the campaign with a 2-2 draw at Newcastle United, salvaging a point through Dominik Szoboszlai’s late penalty after a performance that exposed defensive and structural issues.

Rio Ngumoha started on the right and Cody Gakpo on the left, with the latter scoring, but the service into Alexander Isak was inconsistent.

The double pivot of Ryan Gravenberch and Szoboszlai also came under scrutiny after both were involved in defensive errors that contributed to Newcastle’s goals.

Anfield should help. Liverpool have won their opening home league game in 12 of the last 13 seasons, giving Iraola a favourable historical platform.

Nottingham Forest have started poorly under Oliver Glasner, losing 1-0 to Leeds United in the Premier League and then 2-0 to the same opposition in the EFL Cup.

Forest have failed to score in four of their last six matches, although they can take encouragement from losing only one of their last four meetings with Liverpool.

Liverpool Team Analysis

Liverpool’s attacking ceiling remains high, particularly with Florian Wirtz operating behind Isak and Gakpo offering direct threat from the left.

Ngumoha gives Iraola pace on the right, while Frimpong and Kerkez can add width from full-back.

The main concern is defensive transition. Newcastle exposed the space around Gravenberch and Szoboszlai, and Forest are likely to look for similar opportunities on the break.

Nottingham Forest Team Analysis

Forest’s biggest issue is attacking output. Two defeats without scoring have placed additional pressure on a side already going through another managerial transition.

Glasner may use a back three with Aina and Netz as wing-backs, aiming to defend compactly before breaking through James McAtee, Dan Ndoye and Jesus.

Morgan Gibbs-White’s availability could be crucial. If fit, he would give Forest much-needed creativity between the lines.

Head-to-Head

Forest have caused Liverpool problems in recent meetings, losing only one of the last four clashes between the clubs while winning two and drawing one.

Form and Recent Context

Liverpool opened their league season with a 2-2 draw at Newcastle.

Forest lost 1-0 to Leeds in the Premier League and 2-0 to the same opposition in the EFL Cup.

Tactical Battle

Liverpool are likely to dominate possession and territory through Wirtz, Gravenberch and Szoboszlai, with Frimpong and Kerkez pushing high.

Forest may respond with a compact 3-4-2-1 and look to spring quickly into the channels through Ndoye and Gibbs-White.

The key tactical question is whether Liverpool can prevent the counter-attacking situations that troubled them at Newcastle.

Team News

Liverpool

Giovanni Leoni and Conor Bradley remain sidelined with knee injuries. Joe Gomez is unavailable with a muscular problem, while Hugo Ekitike continues rehabilitation from an Achilles injury.

Frimpong and Kerkez are expected to flank Jacquet and captain Virgil van Dijk in defence. Isak should lead the line, supported by Ngumoha, Wirtz and Gakpo.

Nottingham Forest

Nicolo Savona remains sidelined after a setback in his recovery from a knee problem. Neco Williams is a doubt after picking up a knock against Leeds in midweek.

Ryan Yates is unavailable, while Gibbs-White is also a doubt because of a knee strain.

Predicted Lineups

Liverpool: Alisson; Frimpong, Jacquet, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Szoboszlai, Gravenberch; Ngumoha, Wirtz, Gakpo; Isak.

Nottingham Forest: Sels; Cunha, Milenkovic, Murillo; Aina, McAtee, Sangare, Netz; Gibbs-White, Ndoye; Jesus.

Betting Tips

Full-time result: Liverpool to win.

Double chance: Liverpool or draw.

Both teams to score: No.

Over/Under: Under 3.5 goals.

Correct score: Liverpool 2-0 Nottingham Forest.

Score Prediction

Liverpool 2-0 Nottingham Forest.

Forest’s recent record against Liverpool deserves respect, but their current lack of goals is a serious concern. Liverpool should be better organised in their first home game under Iraola, and Anfield should help them sustain enough pressure to secure a controlled victory.

Hot Stat

Liverpool have won their opening home league fixture in 12 of the last 13 seasons.

Final Analysis

Liverpool are still adapting to Iraola’s demands, but this looks like a favourable opportunity to record a first league win of the new campaign. If the Reds protect against counters more effectively than they did at Newcastle, their superior quality should be enough to win without conceding.