Nottingham Forest faces a crucial match as they prepare to host current Premier League leaders Liverpool at the City Ground. The home side, managed by Nuno Espirito Santo, have been in impressive form, sitting third on the table with 40 points from 20 games. Liverpool, under Arne Slot, are top of the table with 46 points after 19 matches. Forest have been on a six-match unbeaten streak in the league, which gives them a significant boost ahead of the game. Liverpool, meanwhile, comes into this match after a 2-2 draw with Manchester United in their last league outing at Anfield. They followed that up with a 1-0 loss to Tottenham in the League Cup but bounced back with a 4-0 win over Accrington Stanley in the FA Cup third round.
Forest’s recent run of form has been remarkable, and they will be eager to continue that momentum. In fact, the home side has a morale-boosting win over Liverpool to look back on, having defeated them 1-0 in the reverse fixture at Anfield in September 2024. Callum Hudson-Odoi scored the only goal of the match, and now Forest has a golden opportunity to achieve their first league double over Liverpool since the 1962-63 season.
In the previous season, Liverpool managed a narrow 1-0 victory at the City Ground, ending a 13-game winless streak in away league matches against Forest (with seven draws and six losses). Ahead of the match, Nuno was asked about that game, and he responded by acknowledging that much has changed since then. “It was a long time ago. Many things have changed. Both teams are different now. It is a new game and new things will happen,” Nuno said in his post-match press conference.
As a manager, Nuno has found it challenging to face Liverpool. In nine encounters, he has won only twice, with seven losses. When asked about Liverpool’s status as title contenders, Nuno remained focused on his team’s approach. "We are here to compete against all of the teams, and I think we are doing well, but nothing changes in our approach, which stays the same. We know what we can do and how we want to do things. We know each other, our strengths, and weaknesses. So, let’s play the game," Nuno stated.
Meanwhile, Arne Slot, manager of Liverpool, has praised Nottingham Forest’s efforts this season. During a press conference, he acknowledged that Forest is very much in the competition for the top spots, stating, “I have always said you can judge the table best halfway through the season. That moment is there now, so if Forest is then up there with us, with Arsenal, Chelsea, and [Manchester] City and all the others, then they definitely are a team that is in competition with us and with the other teams. They deserve to be treated like this if you look at the way they play and if you look at their results. It is going to be a very difficult challenge tomorrow to get a result.”
It is expected that Nuno will continue with his successful 4-2-3-1 formation, which has seen positive results so far this season. The system has allowed the players to perform at their best, and Wood’s goalscoring ability will be crucial as they look to break down a formidable Liverpool backline.
Liverpool’s attacking trio, consisting of Cody Gakpo, Luis Diaz, and Mohamed Salah, will undoubtedly pose a major threat to Forest’s defence. Forest defenders will need to be at their best to contain these players and prevent them from making an impact on the game. Nuno spoke with caution when asked about Liverpool’s offensive power, saying, “Salah, Diaz, Gakpo, Mac Allister, Gravenberch, Van Dijk, Konate, Trent... quality all over the place. A fantastic team. They have shown, not only in the Premier League but in Europe, how good they are. It is about us realizing this and facing the game with the true respect necessary to play against Liverpool.”
Predicted XIs
Nottingham Forest: Sels; Aina, Milenkovic, Murillo, Williams; Dominguez, Anderson; Elanga, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi; Wood
Liverpool: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Gakpo; Diaz
