Liverpool
Nottingham ForestBy Dele Lawal — Football expert specializing in European and Russian competitions
The opening of the campaign has turned into a brutal trial for both Andoni Iraola and Oliver Glasner. Each manager is visibly stalling at his new post: Liverpool remains plagued by its trademark defensive disarray, while Nottingham Forest displays a worrying lack of teeth going forward. Their head‑to‑head at Anfield offers a chance for redemption after those shaky starts.
Liverpool’s final preseason stretch left mixed impressions. The first‑choice side routinely dealt with Como (2‑0), but the reserve lineup that took the pitch the same day ground out a dull goalless draw against the Italians. Subsequent defeats to Leeds (2‑4) and Monaco (2‑3) merely underlined the squad’s lack of depth and exposed serious concentration flaws: in both friendlies the Merseysiders squandered two‑goal leads, collapsing after heavy second‑half substitutions. Those old ailments resurfaced in the Premier League opener, where the team snatched a 2‑2 draw at Newcastle only from a 99th‑minute penalty. Creativity is not the issue – a solid 2.98 xG. Yet both Newcastle goals came on rapid counter‑attacks, a vulnerability Liverpool still cannot shake.
The root of the defensive chaos lies in a massive overhaul of the back line. Over the summer Liverpool let Ibrahima Konaté (Real Madrid) and Andrew Robertson (Tottenham) leave on frees, dismantling partnerships built over years. The situation worsened with the recent sale of Curtis Jones to Inter – the Englishman often served as a versatile patch capable of covering problem areas, including defence. Now Iraola must integrate 21‑year‑old Jérémy Jäkel, bought for €63.6 m from Rennes, and emergency loan signing Ronald Araújo from Barcelona. Yet despite the obvious problems at the back, the club continues to pour resources into attack, agreeing a €140 m deal with PSG for Bradley Barcola – one of the most expensive transfers in football history, spotlighting Liverpool’s willingness to spend huge sums on creation even while the defence remains unbalanced.
Oliver Glasner’s start at Nottingham Forest is running clearly into the red: the club’s chronic struggles in building play are becoming ever more evident. At the end of preseason the team lost 0‑1 to both Udinese and Barcelona, then appeared to recover by beating Bayer Leverkusen (2‑1) and Brest (2‑0). But the official season opener soon proved those results were a mirage. In the first Premier League round Forest fell 0‑1 to Leeds in a tight, scrappy contest (0.66‑0.47 xG), and midweek in the League Cup – even with rotation on both sides – they meekly lost to the same Peacocks (0‑2), this time with the opposition holding a clear edge (0.86 xG vs 2.25).
Seeing the team’s impotence even against a far from formidable Leeds, the board acted decisively: Liam Delap was signed from Chelsea for €53 m. The striker flopped at Stamford Bridge (one goal in 28 league games), but he still knows how to impose physical duels and fight for aerial balls – critical for Glasner’s counter‑attacking style. Whether the newcomer will be trusted with a starting spot at Anfield right away is, however, a big question. Even bigger is the readiness of the team’s creative leader, Morgan Gibbs‑White. The midfielder damaged his medial knee ligaments in the first Premier League match and already missed the cup tie. Without their chief playmaker, Forest’s build‑up risks grinding to a complete halt.
Liverpool (4‑2‑3‑1): Alisson – Frimpong, Jäkel, Van Dijk, Kerkez – Szoboszlai, Gravenberch – Munoz, Wirtz, Gakpo – Isak Unavailable: Bradley, Ekitike, Gomez, Leoni, Chiesa (all injured), Elliott (coach’s decision) Head coach: Andoni Iraola
Nottingham Forest (3‑4‑2‑1): Sels – Murillo, Cunha, Milenković – Aina, Schlager, Sangaré, Williams – Hutchinson, Ndoje – Jesus Unavailable: Savona, Yates (both injured), Gibbs‑White (doubtful) Head coach: Oliver Glasner
Barrott’s stats from last season mark him out as a mid‑table official. He recorded only 19.33 fouls per game – one of the lowest figures in the Premier League – and averaged 3.63 yellow cards. Across 24 matches he issued just one red card but pointed to the spot seven times.
Main pick: In their current state, Forest’s attack looks utterly toothless. In the two recent games against Leeds, Oliver Glasner’s side failed to reach even 1 xG (a paltry 0.66 and 0.86). If Morgan Gibbs‑White is ruled out through injury, the visitors will have almost no one to construct their own attacks, and Liverpool’s raw defence may avoid too severe a test. Meanwhile, the Merseysiders’ powerful forward line will undoubtedly find their chances. Even in the tough away match at Newcastle, the team generated nearly 3 xG; at home Anfield will subject Nottingham to similar pressure. A Liverpool win at 1.54 looks a safe choice, but risk‑takers can aim for a more substantial price and back the Reds with a handicap of -1.5 at 2.34.
Total goals pick: The change on the bench has not altered Liverpool’s philosophy – the club still embraces an open, ultra‑attacking style. Their matches consistently turn into goal fests: 2‑2 with Newcastle, 2‑3 against Monaco, 2‑4 versus Leeds, and 4‑2 over Sunderland. The flip side of such vibrancy is susceptibility to counter‑attacks. With their current disjointed and far from quick defence, Liverpool can concede to virtually anyone. Nottingham, despite all their attacking impotence, have already accumulated enough play to deserve their first goal of the season. Our pick: over 2.5 total goals at 1.66.
The editorial prediction is provided for informational purposes only and should not be treated as a direct call to action. Every reader should do their own analysis before deciding on a bet.
Liverpool4-2-3-1
Nottingham Forest3-4-2-1Liverpool hosting Nottingham Forest in the Premier League – this feels like a match that should see goals. Both teams are under new management, and both managers prefer attacking football. Andoni Iraola at Liverpool brought an aggressive style from Bournemouth, while Oliver Glasner at Forest has a track record of getting the most out of his squads despite limited resources. The first game of the season showed defensive vulnerabilities for both sides: Liverpool were caught on transitions against Newcastle, and Forest’s debut under Glasner didn’t go well. But the attacking talent is there – Liverpool’s big-money signings like Jakić, Muñoz, and Araújo, plus Forest’s additions like Diomande from Sporting and Delap, who Glasner knows how to use. With both coaches still embedding their systems and the defensive side still shaky, I expect the game to open up. That’s why I’m taking over 3 goals at 1.84.
Liverpool take on Nottingham Forest at Anfield in the Premier League. Forest have already lost both of their recent home matches against Leeds — hardly the kind of form that travels well against a side of Liverpool's calibre. I'm backing the hosts to win by at least two goals, and the -1.5 handicap at 2.16 looks well worth taking.
Liverpool’s visit from Nottingham Forest in the Premier League looks like a prime spot for first-half goals. I see this as a clear value bet, as the teams tend to start fast and the odds of 2.26 for Over 1.5 goals in the opening 45 minutes look generous.
The pace and pressing from both sides should force mistakes, and I’m confident we’ll see at least two goals before the break. That’s my read on the match, and I’m backing it.
Liverpool won't slip up in this one. I have absolutely no belief that Nottingham Forest can force an upset here.
Anfield remains one of the most intimidating away grounds in English football, and even though Nottingham Forest have managed to win there recently, the historical trend overwhelmingly favors the hosts. I see a clear edge in squad quality here — Liverpool, now under Andoni Iraola, have far greater depth and individual talent. Even if they're not firing on all cylinders, that class difference tends to tell in the second half.
Forest's attack is a major red flag. Oliver Glasner's side have failed to score in either of their first two matches this season, and creating chances against Liverpool's high press is a tougher task than what they faced against Newcastle's organized defense. While Liverpool have only won one of the last four head‑to‑head meetings, the broader record over recent seasons still leans their way: five victories against Forest's three, with one draw. I'm backing Liverpool to get the job done at home.
Liverpool against Nottingham Forest in the Premier League — I’m backing the visitors to avoid defeat here. The odds at 2.62 for a double chance on Forest or a draw look solid to me.
Nottingham Forest have the quality to make this a tough contest. I don’t see them rolling over, and a positive result is well within reach.
Liverpool's first home match of the season, and they should steamroll Nottingham Forest. A -1.5 handicap at 2.31 is the clear move here.
The corner count in this Premier League clash between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest should stay under 8.5. Neither side has been piling up corners in their recent games, so at 2.70 this bet looks solid.
This Premier League clash between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest brings together two sides that play in a similar, attack-minded way. That kind of matchup usually produces a steady stream of corners, so I'm backing over 11.5 in the corner count at 2.75. The style of both teams points to plenty of pressure down the flanks, and the total should clear the line.
Liverpool's home crowd will be the difference here. I'm backing the Reds to cover the -1.5 handicap at 2.31 — they simply have too much quality at Anfield to let this one slip.
Liverpool against Nottingham Forest in the Premier League — I’m backing this one to deliver a high volume of corners. The line is set at over 11.5, and at 2.75, I see clear value here.
Both sides have the pace and attacking intent to force defensive clearances, and with Liverpool’s relentless pressure at Anfield, the corner count should climb quickly. I’m not overthinking this — the setup points to a busy game from the flanks.
Neither team has been rock-solid lately, but at Anfield you always expect Liverpool to put on a show and attack from the first minute. So I'm backing the hosts to score more than 2.5 goals — at 2.60, that feels like a fair deal.
Liverpool and Nottingham Forest are two sides that simply don’t generate many corners. Their matches rarely turn into a cross-fest, so I’m backing the total to stay under 8.5. At 2.70, the price looks too good to pass up for a bet that fits both teams’ playing styles perfectly.
Nottingham Forest will leave Anfield with at least a point. I'm backing the double chance on the visitors or a draw at 2.62 — Liverpool simply won't win this one.
Liverpool hosting Nottingham Forest in the Premier League — I’m backing the home side to cover a -1 handicap at 1.82. The Reds have the quality to win by at least two goals, and I expect an open contest with plenty of scoring.
Liverpool are clearly the stronger side at this moment, and playing at Anfield only strengthens their case. I'm backing them to cover the -1.5 handicap — a win by at least two goals is well within reach.
The Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest clash is set for a corner fest. Over 11.5 corners at 2.75 is the only clear read here—plenty of flags waved in this one.
Liverpool at home with a rock-solid defense, while Nottingham Forest's backline is porous and their goalkeeper is a clear weak link. That's a straightforward mismatch — I'm backing the Reds to win comfortably.
Liverpool against Nottingham Forest — over 2.5 goals and both teams scoring are as sure as sunrise. That’s a lock.
Liverpool are in a must-win situation, so expect relentless attacking pressure. Over 11.5 corners is the play.
Liverpool and Nottingham Forest are heading into this Premier League clash, and I don't see both teams finding the net. My bet is on "Both teams to score — No" at 2.04. The reasoning is straightforward: Liverpool's defensive solidity at home should shut out a Forest side that struggles to create chances away from home. It's a clean sheet waiting to happen.
Liverpool are facing a Nottingham Forest side that will definitely get their chances here. Defensive lapses are inevitable for the Reds, so I’m backing both teams to find the net. Liverpool should still win the match, but they’ll concede along the way.
Liverpool are still making too many mistakes, and that forces them into tactical fouls to stop opposition attacks. Those breakdowns in possession and defensive lapses don't just cost goals — they pile up yellow cards. The Reds have to keep disrupting play, and that pattern should continue here.
I'm backing Liverpool to pick up over 1.5 yellow cards. At 2.35, the price looks generous given how often they've had to resort to fouls recently.
Liverpool against Nottingham Forest in the Premier League — I’m backing the total yellow cards to go over 3.5 at 2.00. The visitors are going to heavily disrupt the flow of the match, and that style of play usually leads to bookings.
Liverpool against Nottingham Forest in the Premier League — I’m backing this one to go over 3.5 goals. Everything points to a high-scoring affair, and at 2.46, the odds are too good to pass up.
Liverpool against Nottingham Forest in the Premier League — I’m backing the hosts to score at least twice. The odds are at 1.55, and that feels like solid value.
Liverpool’s attacking strength at home is a key factor here. They consistently create chances and put pressure on opponents, and Forest’s defense has shown vulnerabilities on the road. I expect Liverpool to push forward and get the job done with two or more goals.
Liverpool versus Nottingham Forest in the Premier League — I’m backing the home win and a total of 12 or more corners. The Reds consistently dominate possession and push high up the pitch, which almost always translates into a heavy corner count, especially at Anfield. Forest tend to sit deep and defend in numbers, which forces the opposition to take shots from distance and recycle possession out wide — that’s exactly the recipe for a busy afternoon for the corner flag.
With Liverpool expected to control the game from start to finish, I see them generating the bulk of the set-piece opportunities. The odds at 2.75 make this a very appealing play, as the combination of a home victory and a high corner total feels like a natural outcome given the matchup dynamics.
For this Premier League clash between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest, I'm expecting a high volume of corner kicks. The over 11.5 corners at 2.75 is the play I'm making.
Liverpool and Nottingham Forest are set for a busy afternoon from a set-piece perspective. I'm confidently backing the corner total to go over 11.5 at 2.75.
I'm backing Over 1.5 goals here. Liverpool against Nottingham Forest in the Premier League — I expect this one to deliver at least a couple of strikes without much drama. The odds are short, but the reasoning is simple: the match will be productive.
Liverpool against Nottingham Forest in the Premier League — this matchup has goals written all over it. I'm taking Over 2.5 at 1.63, confident both sides contribute to a lively scoreline.
Liverpool at home against Nottingham Forest — I'm backing the Reds to score at least three goals. The odds of 2.65 make this a solid value play, and I see no reason why they can't deliver that tally at Anfield.
Liverpool and Nottingham Forest won't waste time on a feeling-out period. I'm expecting a flurry of mistakes in the opening 45 minutes, and that chaos should produce at least two goals before the break. That's why I'm taking over 1.5 in the first half at 2.39.
Liverpool won't slip up in this one. I have absolutely no belief that Nottingham Forest can force an upset here.
Anfield remains one of the most intimidating away grounds in English football, and even though Nottingham Forest have managed to win there recently, the historical trend overwhelmingly favors the hosts. I see a clear edge in squad quality here — Liverpool, now under Andoni Iraola, have far greater depth and individual talent. Even if they're not firing on all cylinders, that class difference tends to tell in the second half.
Forest's attack is a major red flag. Oliver Glasner's side have failed to score in either of their first two matches this season, and creating chances against Liverpool's high press is a tougher task than what they faced against Newcastle's organized defense. While Liverpool have only won one of the last four head‑to‑head meetings, the broader record over recent seasons still leans their way: five victories against Forest's three, with one draw. I'm backing Liverpool to get the job done at home.
Liverpool at home with a rock-solid defense, while Nottingham Forest's backline is porous and their goalkeeper is a clear weak link. That's a straightforward mismatch — I'm backing the Reds to win comfortably.
Liverpool against Nottingham Forest in the Premier League — I’m backing the visitors to avoid defeat here. The odds at 2.62 for a double chance on Forest or a draw look solid to me.
Nottingham Forest have the quality to make this a tough contest. I don’t see them rolling over, and a positive result is well within reach.
Nottingham Forest will leave Anfield with at least a point. I'm backing the double chance on the visitors or a draw at 2.62 — Liverpool simply won't win this one.
Liverpool hosting Nottingham Forest in the Premier League – this feels like a match that should see goals. Both teams are under new management, and both managers prefer attacking football. Andoni Iraola at Liverpool brought an aggressive style from Bournemouth, while Oliver Glasner at Forest has a track record of getting the most out of his squads despite limited resources. The first game of the season showed defensive vulnerabilities for both sides: Liverpool were caught on transitions against Newcastle, and Forest’s debut under Glasner didn’t go well. But the attacking talent is there – Liverpool’s big-money signings like Jakić, Muñoz, and Araújo, plus Forest’s additions like Diomande from Sporting and Delap, who Glasner knows how to use. With both coaches still embedding their systems and the defensive side still shaky, I expect the game to open up. That’s why I’m taking over 3 goals at 1.84.
Liverpool’s visit from Nottingham Forest in the Premier League looks like a prime spot for first-half goals. I see this as a clear value bet, as the teams tend to start fast and the odds of 2.26 for Over 1.5 goals in the opening 45 minutes look generous.
The pace and pressing from both sides should force mistakes, and I’m confident we’ll see at least two goals before the break. That’s my read on the match, and I’m backing it.
This Premier League clash between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest brings together two sides that play in a similar, attack-minded way. That kind of matchup usually produces a steady stream of corners, so I'm backing over 11.5 in the corner count at 2.75. The style of both teams points to plenty of pressure down the flanks, and the total should clear the line.
Liverpool against Nottingham Forest in the Premier League — I’m backing this one to deliver a high volume of corners. The line is set at over 11.5, and at 2.75, I see clear value here.
Both sides have the pace and attacking intent to force defensive clearances, and with Liverpool’s relentless pressure at Anfield, the corner count should climb quickly. I’m not overthinking this — the setup points to a busy game from the flanks.
Neither team has been rock-solid lately, but at Anfield you always expect Liverpool to put on a show and attack from the first minute. So I'm backing the hosts to score more than 2.5 goals — at 2.60, that feels like a fair deal.
The Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest clash is set for a corner fest. Over 11.5 corners at 2.75 is the only clear read here—plenty of flags waved in this one.
Liverpool against Nottingham Forest — over 2.5 goals and both teams scoring are as sure as sunrise. That’s a lock.
Liverpool are in a must-win situation, so expect relentless attacking pressure. Over 11.5 corners is the play.
Liverpool against Nottingham Forest in the Premier League — I’m backing this one to go over 3.5 goals. Everything points to a high-scoring affair, and at 2.46, the odds are too good to pass up.
Liverpool against Nottingham Forest in the Premier League — I’m backing the hosts to score at least twice. The odds are at 1.55, and that feels like solid value.
Liverpool’s attacking strength at home is a key factor here. They consistently create chances and put pressure on opponents, and Forest’s defense has shown vulnerabilities on the road. I expect Liverpool to push forward and get the job done with two or more goals.
Liverpool versus Nottingham Forest in the Premier League — I’m backing the home win and a total of 12 or more corners. The Reds consistently dominate possession and push high up the pitch, which almost always translates into a heavy corner count, especially at Anfield. Forest tend to sit deep and defend in numbers, which forces the opposition to take shots from distance and recycle possession out wide — that’s exactly the recipe for a busy afternoon for the corner flag.
With Liverpool expected to control the game from start to finish, I see them generating the bulk of the set-piece opportunities. The odds at 2.75 make this a very appealing play, as the combination of a home victory and a high corner total feels like a natural outcome given the matchup dynamics.
For this Premier League clash between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest, I'm expecting a high volume of corner kicks. The over 11.5 corners at 2.75 is the play I'm making.
Liverpool and Nottingham Forest are set for a busy afternoon from a set-piece perspective. I'm confidently backing the corner total to go over 11.5 at 2.75.
I'm backing Over 1.5 goals here. Liverpool against Nottingham Forest in the Premier League — I expect this one to deliver at least a couple of strikes without much drama. The odds are short, but the reasoning is simple: the match will be productive.
Liverpool against Nottingham Forest in the Premier League — this matchup has goals written all over it. I'm taking Over 2.5 at 1.63, confident both sides contribute to a lively scoreline.
Liverpool at home against Nottingham Forest — I'm backing the Reds to score at least three goals. The odds of 2.65 make this a solid value play, and I see no reason why they can't deliver that tally at Anfield.
Liverpool and Nottingham Forest won't waste time on a feeling-out period. I'm expecting a flurry of mistakes in the opening 45 minutes, and that chaos should produce at least two goals before the break. That's why I'm taking over 1.5 in the first half at 2.39.
The corner count in this Premier League clash between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest should stay under 8.5. Neither side has been piling up corners in their recent games, so at 2.70 this bet looks solid.
Liverpool and Nottingham Forest are two sides that simply don’t generate many corners. Their matches rarely turn into a cross-fest, so I’m backing the total to stay under 8.5. At 2.70, the price looks too good to pass up for a bet that fits both teams’ playing styles perfectly.
Liverpool take on Nottingham Forest at Anfield in the Premier League. Forest have already lost both of their recent home matches against Leeds — hardly the kind of form that travels well against a side of Liverpool's calibre. I'm backing the hosts to win by at least two goals, and the -1.5 handicap at 2.16 looks well worth taking.
Liverpool's first home match of the season, and they should steamroll Nottingham Forest. A -1.5 handicap at 2.31 is the clear move here.
Liverpool's home crowd will be the difference here. I'm backing the Reds to cover the -1.5 handicap at 2.31 — they simply have too much quality at Anfield to let this one slip.
Liverpool hosting Nottingham Forest in the Premier League — I’m backing the home side to cover a -1 handicap at 1.82. The Reds have the quality to win by at least two goals, and I expect an open contest with plenty of scoring.
Liverpool are clearly the stronger side at this moment, and playing at Anfield only strengthens their case. I'm backing them to cover the -1.5 handicap — a win by at least two goals is well within reach.
Liverpool and Nottingham Forest are heading into this Premier League clash, and I don't see both teams finding the net. My bet is on "Both teams to score — No" at 2.04. The reasoning is straightforward: Liverpool's defensive solidity at home should shut out a Forest side that struggles to create chances away from home. It's a clean sheet waiting to happen.
Liverpool are facing a Nottingham Forest side that will definitely get their chances here. Defensive lapses are inevitable for the Reds, so I’m backing both teams to find the net. Liverpool should still win the match, but they’ll concede along the way.
Liverpool are still making too many mistakes, and that forces them into tactical fouls to stop opposition attacks. Those breakdowns in possession and defensive lapses don't just cost goals — they pile up yellow cards. The Reds have to keep disrupting play, and that pattern should continue here.
I'm backing Liverpool to pick up over 1.5 yellow cards. At 2.35, the price looks generous given how often they've had to resort to fouls recently.
Liverpool against Nottingham Forest in the Premier League — I’m backing the total yellow cards to go over 3.5 at 2.00. The visitors are going to heavily disrupt the flow of the match, and that style of play usually leads to bookings.
The match is at Anfield on 29 August 2026 at 12:30.
The main pick is a Liverpool win at 1.54, with a riskier option of Liverpool -1.5 handicap at 2.34. Also, over 2.5 total goals is predicted at 1.66.
Liverpool are the clear favorites, with a win probability reflected in odds of 1.54.
Liverpool drew 2-2 at Newcastle in their opener, showing defensive vulnerabilities. Nottingham Forest lost 0-1 to Leeds in the league and 0-2 in the cup, struggling to score.
Liverpool have several injured players: Bradley, Ekitike, Gomez, Leoni, and Chiesa. Nottingham Forest's main creative midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White is doubtful with a knee injury, and Savona and Yates are out.
Referee Samuel Barrott averages 19.33 fouls per game and 3.63 yellow cards, with one red and seven penalties in 24 matches last season.