Liverpool Confirmed XI to Face Nottingham Forest as Arne Slot Seeks First Win at the City Ground

Liverpool head to the City Ground on Sunday, February 22, 2026, aiming for manager Arne Slot's first victory there against Nottingham Forest in this crucial Premier League clash. Liverpool sit 6th with 42 points from 26 games, while Forest languish in 17th on 27 points[5][4]. The match kicks off at 2:00 PM UTC, with Liverpool favored despite recent mixed form[3][5].

Liverpool Team News and Confirmed Lineup

Liverpool are plagued by injuries: long-term absentees include Giovanni Leoni, Conor Bradley, Alexander Isak (return expected March), Jeremie Frimpong (groin), Wataru Endo (long-term after Sunderland stretcher), Stefan Bajcetic[2][3]. Joe Gomez is fully fit and starts at right-back after recent cameos, while Dominik Szoboszlai returns from suspension[2].

Confirmed Liverpool XI (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Gomez, Konaté, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Wirtz; Ekitiké[1][2][3]. Alternatives note Gakpo up top in some predictions[3]. Recent form includes a 3-0 FA Cup win over Brighton (goals: Jones, Szoboszlai, Salah)[4].

Nottingham Forest Team News and Predicted Lineup

Forest miss goalkeepers Matz Sels (muscle, late Feb), John Victor; defenders Nicolò Savona (knee, doubtful), Willy Boly (knee, late May); forward Chris Wood[2][3]. Ex-Man City keeper Stefan Ortega starts[2]. They boast a strong recent Europa League 3-0 win over Fenerbahce (Murillo, Igor Jesus, Gibbs-White)[4].

Predicted Forest XI (4-2-3-1): Ortega; Aina, Milenković, Murillo, Williams; Anderson, Sangaré; Hutchinson/Ndoye, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi; Igor Jesus[2][3][4]. Key threats: Gibbs-White (6 goals), Hudson-Odoi (3 goals), Jesus (2 goals)[5].

Head-to-head shows tight encounters, with recent draws and Forest wins[5]. Slot's side eyes three points to climb the table, leveraging Salah (assists leader) and Wirtz's creativity against a depleted Forest defense[2][5].

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