Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, Saturday, 22 November

Liverpool will host Nottingham Forest at Anfield on Saturday, 22 November, in what promises to be an intriguing Premier League clash. This match is significant as Liverpool, a club with a rich history and a formidable home record, face Nottingham Forest, who are eager to make their mark in the top flight. Both teams will be looking to secure vital points as they navigate the competitive landscape of the Premier League.

Anfield, renowned for its electrifying atmosphere, will provide the backdrop for this encounter. Liverpool, with their attacking prowess, will aim to capitalise on their home advantage, while Nottingham Forest will be keen to challenge their hosts and prove their resilience. This match offers an exciting opportunity for bettors to assess the form and strategies of both teams in the context of the Premier League standings.

Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Liverpool -1.50 in First Half (Asian Handicap)	4.4

For the upcoming clash at Anfield, our betting tip is for Liverpool to win the first half with an Asian Handicap of -1.5. Liverpool’s strong starts at home and Nottingham Forest’s defensive struggles, especially in the first half, make this a solid choice.

• Liverpool frequently score multiple early goals against Nottingham Forest, demonstrating their attacking prowess.
• Nottingham Forest have shown vulnerability in the initial 45 minutes, particularly with their current defensive injuries.
• Liverpool’s attacking trio is in excellent form, and they have a high expected goals (xG) rate in opening halves, supporting this first-half handicap bet.

Betting Odds

Liverpool are the clear favourites in this Premier League clash at Anfield, with bookmakers offering odds of 1.41 for a home win. Nottingham Forest, on the other hand, are seen as the underdogs with odds of 7.06, making them an intriguing option for those seeking a potential upset.

Betting Tip	Odds
Liverpool to win	1.41
Draw	4.85
Nottingham Forest to win	7.06

The draw is priced at 4.85, which might attract some interest given Forest’s ability to grind out results. For those fancying goals, the over 2.5 goals market could be worth a look, considering Liverpool’s attacking prowess.

Liverpool Analysis & Past Performance

Liverpool’s recent form has been inconsistent. In their last five matches across all competitions, they have secured two wins but suffered three losses, including a 3-0 defeat against Manchester City. This inconsistency is reflected in their Premier League standing, where they currently sit 8th with 18 points.

Home Side	Away Side	Outcome	Competition	Date
Manchester City	Liverpool	3 – 0 (Loss)	Premier League	9 Nov 2025
Liverpool	Real Madrid	1 – 0 (Win)	Champions League	4 Nov 2025
Liverpool	Aston Villa	2 – 0 (Win)	Premier League	1 Nov 2025
Liverpool	Crystal Palace	0 – 3 (Loss)	EFL Cup	29 Oct 2025
Brentford	Liverpool	3 – 2 (Loss)	Premier League	25 Oct 2025

Recent Form:
Liverpool’s attacking prowess has been on display at Anfield, where they have won four out of their last five home games. They’ve averaged 1.20 goals per match in their last five league outings, although defensive frailties are evident, conceding an average of 2.00 goals per game in the same period. Clean sheets have been hard to come by, with just one in their last five matches, highlighting a need for defensive improvements. Mohamed Salah remains a key figure, leading the team’s scoring charts with four goals.

Team Dynamics and Tactical Insights:

• LWWLL

The team’s ability to perform at home is significant, with an 80% win ratio at Anfield, showcasing their strength in familiar surroundings. However, maintaining consistency remains a challenge, as seen in their recent away performances. The defensive lapses, coupled with sporadic offensive output, necessitate a strategic reassessment to regain momentum in the league.

Liverpool Suspensions & Injuries

Liverpool face significant challenges due to a number of key injuries, notably with Joël Matip sidelined for the season with a cruciate ligament injury. This absence affects Liverpool’s defensive stability, forcing Ibrahima Konaté to step up alongside Virgil van Dijk. The absence of Alisson due to a hip injury adds further concern, potentially impacting their last line of defence and requiring Giorgi Mamardashvili to prove his mettle in goal.

Stefan Bajčetić and Jayden Danns, both out with hamstring injuries, limit Liverpool’s midfield options. Their absence could see Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister taking on more responsibility in the central areas. Furthermore, Giovanni Leoni and Jeremie Frimpong’s injuries mean Liverpool will miss out on their pace and creativity, necessitating tactical adjustments from coach Arne Slot.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Joël Matip	Cruciate ligament injury	Out for season
Stefan Bajčetić	Hamstring injury	Late November 2025
Giovanni Leoni	Cruciate ligament injury	Late December 2025
Alisson	Hip injury	Doubtful
Jeremie Frimpong	Muscle injury	Mid December 2025
Jayden Danns	Hamstring injury	Late November 2025

These injuries necessitate a tactical rethink for Liverpool, likely maintaining a 4-2-3-1 formation but requiring a more cautious approach in defence. The absence of key players may also affect Liverpool’s odds in the betting markets, potentially narrowing the gap between them and Nottingham Forest. Despite these setbacks, Liverpool’s depth allows them to remain competitive, albeit with a need for adaptability and resilience.

Liverpool Key Players

Liverpool’s attacking prowess is spearheaded by their top scorer Mohamed Salah, who has netted four goals this season. Salah’s ability to cut inside from the right flank and his clinical finishing make him a constant threat to any defence. His role as both a goal scorer and playmaker allows Liverpool to exploit defensive lapses and create scoring opportunities. Alongside him, Hugo Ekitike, expected to lead the line, provides a physical presence that complements Salah’s agility and speed.

In midfield, Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai are pivotal for controlling the tempo and linking play. Mac Allister’s vision and passing range can unlock defences, while Szoboszlai’s energy and ability to drive forward add a dynamic edge to Liverpool’s midfield. Defensively, Virgil van Dijk anchors the backline with his commanding presence and leadership, crucial for organising the defence against Nottingham Forest’s attacks.

• Goalkeeper: Giorgi Mamardashvili
• Defence: Conor Bradley, Ibrahima Konaté, Virgil van Dijk, Andrew Robertson
• Midfield: Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, Mohamed Salah, Dominik Szoboszlai, Florian Wirtz
• Forward: Hugo Ekitike

Liverpool Tactics and Formation

Liverpool Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Hugo Ekitike
• Midfield Pivot: Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister
• Defensive Strength: Experienced backline led by Virgil van Dijk
• Notable Strategy: High pressing and quick transitions offensively.

Liverpool’s 4-2-3-1 formation is designed to provide both defensive solidity and attacking versatility. The midfield pivot of Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister offers a blend of creativity and defensive cover, crucial for maintaining possession and transitioning play. Mohamed Salah, leading the team’s goal tally, operates from a wide position, adding depth to their attacking options.

Defensively, Liverpool rely on the experience of Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté in central defence, supported by full-backs Conor Bradley and Andrew Robertson. This setup aims to maintain clean sheets, though recent performances indicate vulnerabilities, as evidenced by the 0-3 loss to Manchester City.

Offensively, Liverpool focus on high pressing and exploiting quick transitions to create goal-scoring opportunities. Despite their recent struggles, particularly against top teams, their attacking prowess remains a threat, especially with Salah’s ability to convert chances.

Nottingham Forest Analysis & Past Performance

Nottingham Forest’s recent form has been inconsistent, with the team securing only two wins in their last ten matches across all competitions. Their recent Premier League outing against Leeds resulted in a 3-1 victory, which was a much-needed boost. However, they have struggled to maintain momentum, as evidenced by their 0-2 loss to Bournemouth and a 0-0 draw with Sturm Graz in the Europa League.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Nottingham Forest	Leeds	3 – 1 (Win)	Premier League	9 Nov 2025
Sturm Graz	Nottingham Forest	0 – 0 (Draw)	Europa League	6 Nov 2025
Nottingham Forest	Manchester United	2 – 2 (Draw)	Premier League	1 Nov 2025
Bournemouth	Nottingham Forest	2 – 0 (Loss)	Premier League	26 Oct 2025
Nottingham Forest	FC Porto	2 – 0 (Win)	Europa League	23 Oct 2025

Recent Form:
In their last five matches, Nottingham Forest have managed to score an average of 1.40 goals per game while conceding 1.00. The team has kept two clean sheets during this period, indicating some defensive resilience. However, their away performance remains a concern, as they have not secured a win in their last five away fixtures, drawing three and losing two. This has contributed to their current standing at 19th in the league, with a win ratio of just 0.20.

Key Insights:

• WDDLW

Chris Wood has emerged as a crucial player, netting two goals recently, and his role will be vital in Forest’s attacking strategy. Despite some strong offensive performances, such as the 2-2 draw against Manchester United, the team needs to focus on converting draws into wins and addressing their defensive lapses, especially in away matches.

Nottingham Forest Suspensions & Injuries

Nottingham Forest face significant challenges with several key players sidelined due to injuries. Ola Aina’s hamstring injury, keeping him out until early January 2026, leaves a gap in their defensive options. The absence of Douglas Luiz, also with a hamstring injury until early December 2025, impacts their midfield depth and ball-winning capabilities. Angus Gunn’s ligament injury adds to the woes, with his return date still unknown, affecting their goalkeeping options.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Ola Aina	Hamstring injury	Early January 2026
Dilane Bakwa	Muscle injury	Doubtful
Oleksandr Zinchenko	Strain injury	Doubtful
Chris Wood	Knee injury	Doubtful
Angus Gunn	Ligament injury	Unknown
Douglas Luiz	Hamstring injury	Early December 2025
Callum Hudson-Odoi	Knock injury	Doubtful

With Dilane Bakwa, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Chris Wood, and Callum Hudson-Odoi all doubtful due to various injuries, Nottingham Forest’s squad depth will be severely tested. The tactical impact is significant as Sean Dyche will likely need to rely on less experienced players to fill these roles, potentially altering their 4-2-3-1 formation to accommodate the available personnel.

The unavailability of these players could influence Nottingham Forest’s performance and the betting markets, as their weakened squad may struggle against a formidable opponent like Liverpool at Anfield. This situation might lead to more conservative betting strategies, anticipating a challenging match for Forest.

Nottingham Forest Key Players

Nottingham Forest’s lineup is expected to feature Igor Jesus as the focal point in attack, given the absence of top scorer Chris Wood. Jesus will be crucial in leading the line and providing a goal threat. His ability to hold the ball and link up with the midfield could be vital in creating opportunities against Liverpool. In midfield, Morgan Gibbs-White stands out as a key playmaker, known for his vision and passing ability, which will be instrumental in unlocking Liverpool’s defence.

Defensively, Nikola Milenković will be central to Nottingham Forest’s efforts to contain Liverpool’s potent attack. His experience and aerial prowess will be essential in dealing with set pieces and crosses. Alongside him, Neco Williams offers pace and defensive solidity, which will be crucial in countering Liverpool’s wide threats.

Expected lineup for Nottingham Forest:

• Goalkeeper: Matz Sels
• Defence: Nicolo Savona, Nikola Milenković, Murillo, Neco Williams
• Midfield: Ibrahim Sangaré, Elliot Anderson, Dan Ndoye, Morgan Gibbs-White, Nicolás Domínguez
• Forward: Igor Jesus

Nottingham Forest Tactics and Formation

Nottingham Forest Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Igor Jesus
• Midfield Pivot: Ibrahim Sangaré and Elliot Anderson
• Defensive Challenges: No clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Emphasis on midfield control and counterattacks.

Nottingham Forest’s 4-2-3-1 formation aims to provide balance across the pitch with a strong emphasis on midfield control. Ibrahim Sangaré and Elliot Anderson form the midfield pivot, tasked with breaking up opposition play and initiating attacks. This setup is designed to offer defensive cover while allowing Morgan Gibbs-White and Nicolás Domínguez to push forward.

Defensively, Forest have struggled to maintain clean sheets, conceding in their last five matches. The backline, featuring Nikola Milenković and Murillo, must tighten up, especially against Liverpool’s potent attack. The full-back roles of Neco Williams and Nicolo Savona will be critical in containing wide threats.

Offensively, the reliance on quick counterattacks, led by the pace and finishing of Igor Jesus, is a key strategy. However, injuries to key players like Chris Wood and Callum Hudson-Odoi have impacted their attacking depth, requiring tactical adjustments from coach Sean Dyche.

Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest Head-to-Head Record

In their head-to-head record, Liverpool have the upper hand with four wins compared to Nottingham Forest’s two, and just one draw in their last seven encounters. Their most recent clash ended in a 1-1 draw at the City Ground, showing that Forest can hold their own against the Reds.

When it comes to Premier League meetings, Liverpool have been dominant, especially at Anfield, where they secured a solid 3-0 victory in their last home fixture against Forest. However, Forest’s surprise 1-0 win at Anfield in 2024 reminds us that they can spring a surprise.

Home Side	Away Side	Score	League	Date
Nottingham Forest	Liverpool	1 – 1	Premier League	2025-01-14
Liverpool	Nottingham Forest	0 – 1	Premier League	2024-09-14
Nottingham Forest	Liverpool	0 – 1	Premier League	2024-03-02
Liverpool	Nottingham Forest	3 – 0	Premier League	2023-10-29
Liverpool	Nottingham Forest	3 – 2	Premier League	2023-04-22