Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest Preview: Reds Target First Home Win of the Season

Liverpool welcome Nottingham Forest to Anfield on Saturday as they look to register their first Premier League victory of the 2026/27 campaign in what promises to be an entertaining early-season encounter.

After opening the season with a hard-fought 2-2 draw away to Newcastle United, the Reds return to home soil eager to build momentum under new head coach Andoni Iraola. Liverpool showed plenty of attacking intent in their league opener but will be aiming for a more complete performance in front of the Anfield faithful.

Nottingham Forest, meanwhile, arrive on Merseyside hoping to bounce back from a disappointing start to the season. Consecutive defeats in the Premier League and the EFL Cup have left Oliver Glasner's side searching for confidence, but Forest will take encouragement from recent meetings between the clubs, having enjoyed success at Anfield in the recent past.

Liverpool Looking to Make Home Advantage Count

Liverpool produced moments of quality against Newcastle but also exposed defensive vulnerabilities that Iraola will be keen to address. With the intensity and atmosphere of Anfield behind them, the Reds are expected to play with greater control while maintaining the aggressive pressing style that has quickly become a feature of their new manager's approach.

The hosts possess plenty of firepower in attack, with Alexander Isak expected to lead the line alongside a creative supporting cast featuring Cody Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai. Liverpool's ability to dominate possession and create chances through quick passing and intelligent movement could prove decisive against a Forest side likely to defend deep.

Forest Aim to Frustrate the Hosts

Forest face one of the toughest away fixtures of the campaign but will believe they can cause problems on the counterattack. Morgan Gibbs-White remains the visitors' chief creative outlet, while new signing Liam Delap could provide a physical presence in attack if selected.

Oliver Glasner is expected to set his side up compactly, limiting the space between the lines and looking to exploit transitions whenever Liverpool commit numbers forward. The return of defender Murillo would also provide a welcome boost to Forest's defensive stability.

Key Battle

The midfield contest is likely to shape the outcome of the match. Liverpool's high pressing will seek to force mistakes and recover possession in dangerous areas, while Forest's midfield must remain disciplined under pressure and find quick outlets to launch counterattacks.

If Liverpool can dictate the tempo and move the ball quickly through midfield, they should create enough opportunities to unlock Forest's defence. However, the visitors have previously demonstrated they are capable of frustrating the Reds and will look to remain organised throughout.

Players to Watch

Liverpool

• Alexander Isak – Expected to spearhead the attack with his movement and finishing ability.

• Cody Gakpo – A creative threat capable of producing moments of quality in the final third.

• Dominik Szoboszlai – His passing range and ability to control the tempo could prove crucial.

Nottingham Forest

• Morgan Gibbs-White – Forest's primary playmaker and biggest attacking threat.

• Liam Delap – Could make an impact with his strength and direct running.

• Murillo – A commanding presence in defence if declared fit.

Prediction

Liverpool will enter the contest as clear favourites, buoyed by home advantage and superior squad quality. While Nottingham Forest possess the organisation and counterattacking threat to make life difficult, the Reds should have enough attacking quality to secure all three points.

Predicted Score: Liverpool 2-0 Nottingham Forest

A strong performance at Anfield would not only hand Liverpool their first league win of the season but also provide an early confidence boost as Iraola continues to implement his philosophy. Forest, meanwhile, will hope to leave Merseyside with an improved display, even if taking points from Anfield remains a formidable challenge.