Nottingham Forest vs Liverpool: Match Preview, Latest Team News and How to Watch | OneFootball

Nottingham Forest vs Liverpool: Premier League Stakes Rise

Liverpool resume their Premier League campaign with a trip to Nottingham Forest, a fixture that now carries fresh intrigue. Forest are entering a new phase under Vitor Pereira, appointed after Sean Dyche’s departure with the club three points above the relegation line.

This is Pereira’s first home game in charge, coming swiftly after a 3-0 Europa League play off first leg victory over Fenerbahce. That result has injected belief into Nottingham Forest, yet the visit of Liverpool represents a different scale of examination. For Arne Slot’s side, the context is equally pressing. The Premier League race for Champions League qualification is tightening and any dropped points now reverberate.

Kick Off Time And Broadcast Details

Nottingham Forest vs Liverpool kicks off at 2pm GMT on Sunday, February 22, 2026 at the City Ground. The match will be shown live on Sky Sports Main Event, with coverage beginning at 1pm GMT. Streaming is available through the Sky Go app.

Team News And Selection Calls

Pereira has indicated he will rotate, emphasising that the entire squad must contribute between now and season’s end. Forest are without Willy Boly, Matz Sels, Chris Wood and John Victor due to injury. Murillo returned to score in Turkey, though Nicolo Savona faces a late fitness test.

Photo IMAGO

Liverpool’s 3-0 win over Brighton provided momentum and a degree of stability. Ryan Gravenberch and Hugo Ekitike are in contention to start after bench roles in the FA Cup. Jeremie Frimpong remains sidelined with a hamstring issue, opening a decision at right back. Joe Gomez is a natural option, though Dominik Szoboszlai or Curtis Jones could be deployed.

Photo: IMAGO

Alexander Isak is targeting an April return, while Conor Bradley, Wataru Endo and Giovanni Leoni remain longer term absentees.

Prediction And Head To Head Context

Forest won 3-0 at Anfield in November and are unbeaten in their last three meetings with Liverpool. Historically, Liverpool hold 60 wins to Forest’s 33, with 30 draws.

Liverpool’s 1-0 victory over Sunderland in their last league outing illustrated resilience. Forest will seek intensity early on, urged forward by a home crowd eager to embrace a new era. If Liverpool manage that surge, their greater depth and clarity in possession should tell.

Prediction: Nottingham Forest 1-3 Liverpool.