Much at Stake in Nottingham Forest v. Liverpool tie | OneFootball

Nottingham Forest host Liverpool at the City Ground, in a Premier League clash with major implications at both ends of the table.

Liverpool arrive chasing a top four spot, sitting three points adrift of the Champions League places at the start of the weekend, behind rivals such as Chelsea and Manchester United.

For Forest, the picture is far more precarious, with the club battling relegation and turning to new manager Vitor Pereira in a bid to spark a revival.

Forest on the Bounce

Pereira was appointed in the build-up to this fixture following the dismissal of Sean Dyche, who lasted just 25 games in charge despite steering the club clear of immediate danger earlier in the campaign. The timing ensures a lively atmosphere at the City Ground.

There were immediate signs of encouragement in Europe, as Forest swept aside Fenerbahçe  3-0 in the Europa League. Goals from Morgan Gibbs-White and Igor Jesus underlined the attacking quality within the squad, while Murillo marked his return from injury with a goal of his own.

Domestic form, however, tells a different story. Forest are winless in their last three league matches, including a drab goalless draw at home to Wolves. Their last league victory at the City Ground came in mid-December, a commanding 3-0 win over relegation rivals Tottenham.

Overall, Forest have won just three of their 13 home league games this season. Curiously, they have fared better on the road, collecting four away victories. Pereira’s challenge is clear: turn their home ground back into a fortress and harness the emotional lift of his arrival.

A Slippery Fixture for Liverpool

For Liverpool and head coach Arne Slot, this represents a potential banana skin. The Reds stormed to the Premier League title last season in Slot’s dream debut campaign, but their title defence has been uneven.

February has encapsulated that inconsistency. Liverpool progressed in the FA Cup with a 3-0 win over Brighton and edged past Sunderland in the league, only to suffer defeat to Manchester City.

Away from remains a concern. Liverpool have won five and lost five of their 13 league matches on the road, managing just two victories in their last five away outings. While Anfield has again been a stronghold, their lack of authority on their travels has hampered momentum.

There are, nevertheless, reasons for optimism. Hugo Ekitiké leads the club’s scoring charts with 10 goals and continues to offer a cutting edge in attack. Meanwhile, Mohamed Salah, despite not hitting his usual scintillating heights, remains pivotal. Salah needs one more assist to reach 93 in the Premier League for Liverpool, having drawn level with Steven Gerrard on 92.

The Takeaway

Liverpool will not have forgotten November’s reverse fixture, when Forest stunned them 3-0. That result piled pressure on Slot early in the season, though the club hierarchy kept faith. A strong finish and a top four berth would vindicate that decision.

Forest, meanwhile, are chasing history. Victory on Sunday would secure their first league double over Liverpool since the 1962-63 season.

Slot has insisted his side are in a stronger place than during their winter slump, citing improved fitness levels and greater efficiency from set-pieces. He also acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding Pereira’s tactical approach, noting that managerial changes can complicate preparation.

With Forest buoyed by fresh leadership and Liverpool desperate to steady their push for Europe, the stage is set for a tense and potentially defining afternoon at the City Ground.