Liverpool Predicted Team vs Nottingham Forest: Arne Slot Makes 2 Changes

Liverpool head to the City Ground on Sunday, February 22, 2026, to face Nottingham Forest in the Premier League, aiming for revenge after a humiliating 3-0 home defeat in November that derailed their title defense. Under Arne Slot, the Reds are in strong form, winning five of their last seven matches across competitions, including a 3-0 victory over Brighton in the FA Cup. Slot is set to deploy a 4-2-3-1 formation with two key changes: Ryan Gravenberch and Hugo Ekitike starting.[1][2][3]

Predicted Liverpool Lineup

• GK: Alisson – Retained his spot with a clean sheet against Brighton, showcasing strong saves.[2]
• RB: Joe Gomez – Fully fit and ready to start, tasked with containing Forest's speedy Callum Hudson-Odoi.[2][3]
• CB: Ibrahima Konaté – In excellent form since returning from compassionate leave.[2]
• CB: Virgil van Dijk – Scored recently and remains a defensive rock.[2][3]
• LB: Milos Kerkez – Delivered a strong performance against Brighton despite earlier criticism.[2]
• CM: Ryan Gravenberch – One of Slot's changes, partnering in midfield.[1][3]
• CM: Alexis Mac Allister (or Dominik Szoboszlai/Curtis Jones in variations) – Anchoring the midfield.[1][4]
• RW: Mohamed Salah – Key attacker with 3 assists recently.[5]
• AM: Florian Wirtz – Top scorer with 4 goals.[3][5]
• LW: Cody Gakpo – Part of the potent front three.[1][5]
• ST: Hugo Ekitike – Slot's other change, Liverpool's only orthodox No.9 with 3 goals; replaces Federico Chiesa on the bench.[1][2][4]

Key subs: Curtis Jones, Rio Ngumoha, Chiesa, Dominik Szoboszlai (returning from suspension).[1][6]

Team News & Injuries

Liverpool are without long-term absentees Alexander Isak (broken leg, return post-March international break), Jeremie Frimpong (groin), Conor Bradley, Wataru Endo (long-term), and Giovanni Leoni. Joe Gomez is confirmed fit.[2][3][4][6]

Slot seeks his first win over Forest under their third manager this season, Vitor Pereira. Predictions favor Liverpool 1-2, capitalizing on their star-studded attack against a struggling Forest side near the relegation zone.[3][5]

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