Nottingham Forest vs Liverpool: Premier League Clash at the City Ground

Nottingham Forest hosted Liverpool in a crucial Premier League match on February 22, 2026, at the City Ground, with both teams vying for points in the mid-table battle. Forest entered with a record of 7 wins, 6 draws, and 13 losses (27 points), showing form DWDLD, while Liverpool boasted 12 wins, 6 draws, and 8 losses (42 points), in DLWLW form.[3][4]

Team News and Line-ups

Liverpool made two changes from their previous win over Brighton: Hugo Ekitike returned up front, and Ryan Gravenberch slotted into midfield, replacing Federico Chiesa and Curtis Jones. The starting XI was: Alisson; Van Dijk, Konate, Kerkez; Wirtz, Szoboszlai, Mac Allister; Salah, Gakpo, Ekitike, Gravenberch. Subs included Mamardashvili, Gomez, Chiesa, Jones, and others.[2]

Nottingham Forest, under manager Vitor Pereira, relied on key performers like Morgan Gibbs-White (6 goals in 26 matches) and Elliot Anderson (top in chances created at 40).[3][4] Standout stats highlighted Anderson's 33 successful take-ons and Ekitike's 10 goals for Liverpool.[4]

Key Stats and Context

Recent head-to-heads were competitive: Liverpool 0-3 Forest, 1-1 draw, 0-1 Forest win, 0-1 Liverpool win, and 3-0 Liverpool victory.[3] Betting odds favored Liverpool (-110 to win), with Forest at +285 and draw at +275.[4] Referee Anthony Taylor officiated, assisted by Gary Beswick and Adam Nunn.[4]

Player highlights included Mohamed Salah's 6 assists in 18 games, Cody Gakpo's contributions, and Florian Wirtz's 45 chances created and 32 take-ons for Liverpool. Forest's defense faced Alisson, who had 44 saves and 25 goals conceded.[3][4]

The match promised intensity, with Forest aiming to exploit home advantage and Liverpool seeking to climb the table amid a tight race—Arsenal led with 58 points, Liverpool sat mid-pack.[3] Live updates captured early drama, including Callum Hudson-Odoi missing a sitter for Forest, while Wirtz was noted in line-ups despite any withdrawal rumors.[1][2]

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