Nottingham Forest vs Liverpool: Premier League Preview

Nottingham Forest host Liverpool at the City Ground on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at 14:00 UTC in a crucial Premier League clash. Forest, sitting 17th with 27 points from 26 games (7 wins, 6 draws, 13 losses), are three points clear of relegation under new manager Vitor Pereira, who replaced Sean Dyche.[1][4]

This marks Pereira's second Premier League game in charge after Forest's impressive 3-0 victory over Fenerbahce in the Europa League knockout play-off first leg on Thursday. Goals from Murillo, Igor Jesus, and Morgan Gibbs-White secured the win, boosting morale ahead of Liverpool's visit—a tough test for the Portuguese tactician in front of home fans.[1][5]

Liverpool, 6th with 42 points (12 wins, 6 draws, 8 losses), are chasing Champions League spots. Arne Slot's side recovered from a 2-1 home loss to Manchester City with wins over Sunderland (1-0) and Brighton (3-0), plus an FA Cup progression.[1][2] Key players include Hugo Ekitike (10 goals) and Dominik Szoboszlai.[2]

For Forest, Morgan Gibbs-White leads with 6 goals and 2 assists, alongside Jota Silva's strong ratings.[2] Head-to-head favors Liverpool historically (60 wins to Forest's 33, 30 draws), but Forest won the reverse fixture 3-0 at Anfield in November and are unbeaten in their last three meetings.[1][3]

Odds list Liverpool as favorites at 8/11 to win, Forest at 11/4, draw at 23/10 (via Betfair). Prediction: Liverpool 2-1, expecting them to weather an early storm from the hosts.[1]

Recent Forest form: D 1-1 vs Crystal Palace, W 4-0 vs Ferencvaros, D 0-0 vs Wolves. Liverpool: W 3-0 vs Brighton, W 1-0 vs Sunderland, L 1-2 vs Man City.[2][3] Live coverage available on Sky Sports and others; tune in for live scores, stats, and highlights.[1][2]

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