Liverpool begin the home phase of Andoni Iraola's reign on Saturday when Nottingham Forest visit Anfield for the Premier League's early kickoff. Both teams are still searching for their first league victory of the 2026-27 season.
The Reds twice came from behind to draw 2-2 at Newcastle on the opening weekend. Cody Gakpo equalised shortly after half time before Dominik Szoboszlai converted a stoppage-time penalty, but Liverpool's vulnerability during defensive transitions left Iraola demanding greater balance.
Forest arrive after two home defeats to Leeds in four days, losing 1-0 in the league and 2-0 in the EFL Cup without scoring. Oliver Glasner's side nevertheless possess an excellent recent record at Anfield, having won on each of their last two Premier League visits.
Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest: Key Stats
Liverpool are winless in five Premier League matches, drawing three and losing two
The Reds are unbeaten in their last 22 opening home league games, winning 17 and drawing five
Liverpool have won their first home match in 12 of the last 13 Premier League seasons
Forest have lost both competitive matches this season without scoring
Forest have won their last two league visits to Anfield and three Premier League games against Liverpool since 2022
Photo Credit (Getty Images)
What to Expect
Liverpool should control possession in Iraola's 4-2-3-1, but their rest defence will be as important as their attacking combinations. Both Newcastle goals originated from quick breaks after Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai advanced, so one midfielder or the far-side full-back must remain in position whenever the Reds commit numbers forward.
Victor Munoz is pushing Rio Ngumoha for the right-wing place after winning the late penalty at Newcastle. Florian Wirtz should operate behind Alexander Isak, with Cody Gakpo attacking from the left. Federico Chiesa has joined Hugo Ekitike, Conor Bradley, Giovanni Leoni and Joe Gomez on the unavailable list, while Bradley Barcola is not expected to be registered in time.
Forest should return to their strongest 3-4-2-1 after rotating in the cup. Morgan Gibbs-White is a fitness doubt following a knee strain, but Glasner hopes he can return alongside Dan Ndoye behind Igor Jesus. Ryan Yates and Nicolo Savona remain out, while new signing Liam Delap could make his debut from the bench. The visitors will defend compactly before targeting the space behind Liverpool's aggressive full-backs.
Predicted Lineups
Liverpool (4-2-3-1)
Alisson; Frimpong, Jacquet, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Szoboszlai, Gravenberch; Munoz, Wirtz, Gakpo; Isak
Nottingham Forest (3-4-2-1)
Sels; Diomande, Milenkovic, Murillo; Aina, Schlager, Sangare, Williams; Ndoye, Gibbs-White; Igor Jesus
Players to Watch
Alexander Isak - Liverpool's £125m striker was isolated for long periods at Newcastle and needs better service at Anfield. His movement across Forest's back three and ability to finish quickly can punish any moment when Milenkovic or Murillo steps out of shape.
Florian Wirtz - Wirtz is responsible for finding space between Forest's midfield and defence. His combinations with Isak and Gakpo will be central to breaking down a deep, narrow block rather than allowing the match to become predictable.
Morgan Gibbs-White - If passed fit, Forest's captain is their clearest transition threat. He has scored or assisted three of Forest's last six league goals at Anfield and has recorded 12 Premier League goals during 2026.
Liam Delap - Forest's new striker could make his debut after completing a move from Chelsea. His strength, direct running and ability to occupy centre-backs would give Glasner a useful second-half outlet if Liverpool begin defending higher up the pitch.
Prediction
Prediction: Liverpool -1 Asian handicap @ 1.80
Forest's recent Anfield record makes the short home-win price less attractive, but their current attack has failed to score in consecutive defeats to Leeds. Liverpool had a full week to prepare, whereas Glasner's squad played on Tuesday and now faces a third match in eight days.
Iraola's side must improve its protection against counterattacks, yet Wirtz, Gakpo and Isak should create far more pressure than Forest faced in either Leeds match. The Asian handicap returns the stake if Liverpool win by exactly one goal and pays in full if they win by two or more. A 2-0 Liverpool victory is the preferred scoreline.