Last Updated on February 21, 2026 4:16 pm by Anthony Rome
The City Ground sets the stage for one of the Premier League’s most intriguing matchups this weekend as Nottingham Forest welcome Liverpool on February 22. Continue reading for our Nottingham Forest vs. Liverpool preview and prediction.
Nottingham Forest vs. Liverpool Overview
Forest have found renewed belief under Vítor Pereira, coming off an eye-catching European performance and playing with attacking freedom led by Morgan Gibbs-White. Meanwhile, Liverpool arrive needing consistency in their push up the table, leaning on the firepower of Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo, and Hugo Ekitiké to deliver on the road. With the Reds slight favorites at –120 and Forest sitting at +300, this isn’t just a clash of history — it’s a matchup of momentum versus pedigree, and it has all the ingredients of a tightly contested Premier League battle.
Nottingham Forest vs. Liverpool Odds
Kick-off: February 22, 2026
Competition: English Premier League
Odds:
- Nottingham Forest +300
- Liverpool –120
- Draw +295
Fresh off a spirited Europa League win, Nottingham Forest aim to build momentum at the City Ground, while *Liverpool look to reinforce their climb toward the Premier League’s top six despite a mixed season of ups and downs.
Recent Form & Context
Forest’s Surge Under Vítor Pereira
New manager Vítor Pereira has invigorated Forest, highlighted by an emphatic 3–0 Europa League win away at Fenerbahçe, with goals from Murillo, Igor Jesus, and Morgan Gibbs-White showcasing attacking confidence.
Midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White continues to be Forest’s standout performer, leading chances created and contributing key goals — his influence in transition and creative thrust gives the Tricky Trees their best attacking edge.
However, defender Matz Sels is expected to miss this match due to a groin injury, leaving Forest’s defensive organization a concern against Liverpool’s forwards.
Liverpool’s Title Experience & Offensive Power
Despite a turbulent league campaign with inconsistency and injury setbacks, Liverpool still show elite attacking talent. Ghana international forward Hugo Ekitiké is among their top scorers with around 10 league goals this season, while Cody Gakpo provides pace and direct threat.
Mohamed Salah, a club icon, remains central to Liverpool’s creativity and direct goal threat when fit. His goal involvements rank among the club’s all-time best in the Premier League.
Liverpool’s squad depth, oozing experience with defensive leader Virgil van Dijk, midfield orchestrator Florian Wirtz, and attackers like Gakpo and Ekitiké, still gives them a quality edge — even if injuries have limited options.
Head-to-Head Trends
Recent meetings show Forest are no simple opponent for Liverpool:
- Forest earned a 3–0 win at Anfield in November 2025, stunning Liverpool.
- Previous clashes have been competitive, including a 1–1 draw in earlier seasons.
That history suggests this fixture isn’t a straightforward away win — especially at the City Ground.
Key Players to Watch
Nottingham Forest
- Morgan Gibbs-White (MF): Creative engine and leading attacking output.
- Igor Jesus (FW): Offers direct pace and finishing — a real threat on transition.
- Murillo (DF/MF): Scored in European action and adds set-piece value.
Liverpool
- Hugo Ekitiké (FW): Leading scorer this season, key outlet in the final third.
- Cody Gakpo (FW): Dangerous wide forward, creative and goal-making.
- Mohamed Salah (FW): A match-decider when involved and clinical in tight games.
Match Prediction
This is a tightly contested Premier League fixture. Forest’s recent resurgence and Liverpool’s inconsistency in key moments set up an intriguing battle.
Liverpool still possess greater overall quality and experience in controlling games away from home, especially through the middle with Wirtz and Mac Allister enabling chances for Ekitiké and Gakpo. Forest’s attacking intent through Gibbs-White and Igor Jesus makes them dangerous, but a lack of defensive stability (including Sels’ absence) could be telling against Liverpool’s varied attack.
Predicted Score: Liverpool 2, Nottingham Forest 1
- Liverpool likely edge the contest on experience and attacking depth.
- Forest may score — especially early — but the Reds should find a late breakthrough.
Best Bet Angle:
- Liverpool to win at roughly –120 remains a solid choice.
- Both teams to score is a strong scenario given Forest’s offense and Liverpool’s attacking talent.