Nottingham Forest on Top with Liverpool Being 'Monstered' LIVE on Sky!

Nottingham Forest dominated early proceedings against Liverpool at the City Ground in this Premier League clash on matchday 27, leaving the visitors struggling to gain a foothold.[1][7]

The game kicked off with Forest asserting pressure, executing seven of the first nine shots in the opening 26 minutes. Morgan Gibbs-White, Forest's talismanic midfielder with 6 goals this season, was heavily involved across the pitch, earning a central free-kick opportunity though it didn't yield a shot on target.[1][7] Callum Hudson-Odoi nearly broke the deadlock, latching onto an Ibrahim Sangaré pass to burst into the left side of the box, evading Dominik Szoboszlai before being denied by a sharp save from Alisson Becker at close range.[7]

At half-time, the score remained Nottingham Forest 0-0 Liverpool, but the hosts clearly held the upper hand, "monstered" Liverpool as per the live commentary vibe. A yellow card was shown to Gibbs-White for Forest.[1]

Forest lined up with Stefan Ortega in goal – backed by Ola Aina, Nikola Milenković, Murillo, Neco Williams; midfielders Elliot Anderson, Ibrahim Sangaré; attackers Omari Hutchinson, Morgan Gibbs-White, Callum Hudson-Odoi; and striker Igor Jesus. Liverpool fielded Alisson; defenders Milos Kerkez, Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konaté, Dominik Szoboszlai; midfield Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister; forwards Mohamed Salah, Curtis Jones, Cody Gakpo; and Hugo Ekitike up top.[1]

Contextually, Forest (7-6-13, 27 pts, 17th) desperately need points to climb from relegation danger, seeking a league double after their stunning 3-0 upset at Anfield in November. Liverpool (12-6-8, 42 pts, 6th), managed by Arne Slot, aim to avenge that humiliation but appeared disjointed, with a thin bench and concerns over Florian Wirtz's pre-match injury (replaced by Curtis Jones).[2][3][4][7] Goalkeeper Ortega's mere 18 touches underscored Forest's control.[7]

Liverpool's recent form includes wins over Brighton (3-0) and Sunderland (1-0), but a loss to Man City (1-2). Odds favored Liverpool (-114), but Forest (+284) threatened an upset.[4] Live on Sky Sports, the match promised intensity at the City Ground.[1][5]

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