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Nottingham Forest vs Liverpool Preview: Odds, Tips and Prediction

Date: February 22, 2026 Venue: The City Ground Kickoff Time: 16:00 Anfield history and present-day ambition intersect once again as Nottingham Forest host Liverpool in a fixture that blends tradition, tension, and contrasting objectives. Premier League betting fans can cash in on this fixture with selected markets that offer value ahead of kickoff. This is a meeting shaped as much by legacy as by current momentum, a clash between a Forest side fighting for survival and a Liverpool team driven by title pressure and expectation. Forest’s success often hinges on intensity, organization, and moments of efficiency, making discipline and execution paramount. Meanwhile, the Reds arrive with a different weight on their shoulders. Every fixture carries consequence, and every dropped point magnifies as the season sharpens up and stakes rise.

Marc Strydom
Marc Strydom

Last updated: 2026-02-09

Chad Nagel

6 minutes read

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Igor Jesus of Nottingham Forest in action with Virgil van Dijk

Igor Jesus with Virgil van Dijk / Getty Images

The City Ground will raise the roof, find its voice, and create a raucous atmosphere as Nottingham Forest prepares to take on Liverpool on 22 February 2026. This is the type of fixture that tests not just ability, but mentality. For Forest, it is a chance to make a statement. For Liverpool, it is a test of focus on the road toward their larger ambitions. 

Pre-Game Odds & Win Probability

  1. HOME (NOTTINGHAM): 29/10 (3.90) – 25.6%

  2. DRAW: 27/10 (3.70) – 27%

  3. AWAY (LIVERPOOL): 81/100 (1.81) – 55.2%

    Odds courtesy of Betway, subject to change.

Head-To-Head Record

Last five meetings (All Competitions)

  1. 22/11/2025: Liverpool 0-3 Nottingham

  2. 14/01/2025: Nottingham 1-1 Liverpool 

  3. 14/09/2024: Liverpool 0-1 Nottingham 

  4. 02/03/2024: Nottingham 0-1 Liverpool 

  5. 29/10/2023: Liverpool 3-0 Nottingham 

Nottingham Current Form – LDWWL

Nottingham’s transition under Sean Dyche began positively, as the Tricky Trees improved and started winning games, but have slowly fallen back into old habits, which see them just above the relegation zone. If Forest can stabilize at the back, manage games better, and take maximum points against clubs around them on the table, they will avoid slipping further toward the drop zone.

 In the last five games, inconsistency has significantly affected Forest’s form, putting them under sustained pressure. After a convincing Europa League win over Ferencvarosi, Nottingham took two steps back and shared the points with Crystal Palace after a poor performance. As pressure continues to mount, Leeds added to their woes after a dominant victory at Elland Road. 

A huge opportunity came up next against Wolves, and through desperation, Forest were confident and played with more conviction. However, a tough away Europa League clash against Fenerbahce tested their resilience and mentality ahead of welcoming Liverpool to the City Ground. Dyche now needs to instill belief and confidence to ensure they remain highly competitive in a tough matchup with the Reds.

Key Players To Watch

  • Morgan Gibbs-White: Gibbs-White is Forest’s most influential attacking force. As the chief creator, the direct link between midfield and attack, and a regular goal contributor, his influence goes beyond statistics while ensuring his team constantly imposes danger in the final third, underlining his match-defining value. 
  • Elliot Anderson: Anderson has emerged as one of the most complete midfielders in the Premier League, blending technical quality with tactical intelligence, work rate, and versatility. His ability to create from both deep and forward positions is a sign of his cerebral approach and technical maturity. 
  • Igor Jesus: Jesus offers a blend of physicality, relentless work rate, and intelligent movement. He’s more than just a pure goal scorer – capable of dropping deep, linking play, holding up the ball, and providing a focal point in attack that adds to his importance to this Forest team.  

Nottingham Team News

John required minor surgery for a knee injury and could miss the remainder of the campaign. Chris Wood is nowhere close to being ready but is making steady progress in his recovery, with an expected return date to be around late April at best. 

Liverpool Current Form – LWWLW

Liverpool have been far short of their high standards this season, raising concerns about whether they lack the intensity and high press that once defined their identity. Arne Slot has turned toward a more controlled, possession-oriented build-up, retaining the ball and waiting for moments to pounce rather than purely exploiting space. As pressure continues to follow Slot, the Dutch manager must refine his approach and regain that attacking verve the Reds are famous for if they are to make a late run. 

Coming into this fixture, Liverpool’s form has been average, to be fair, while playing it safe and facing challenges that have seen them lack their cutting edge. After back-to-back impressive victories over Qarabag in the Champions League and against Newcastle, the Reds were humbled by fierce rivals Man City, which hindered their progression toward the top of the table. 

Three days later, Liverpool made the tough drop to the Stadium of Light, and like every other team, they were made to work and tested in all phases. Last time out against Brighton in the FA Cup, Slot’s men were more dominant, a performance that injected confidence and displayed their immense quality. Now with victory the main objective, Nottingham poses the next challenge at the City Ground. 

Key Players To Watch

  • Hugo Ekitike: Ekitike is Liverpool’s present goal threat and has become the cornerstone of their attacking evolution. With his blend of pace, technical skill, tactical intelligence, and raw scoring instinct, he embodies the modern centre-forward and the ability to change a game in an instant. 
  • Ryan Gravenberch: Gravenberch combines the physicality of elite defensive midfielders with the technical finesse often seen in top playmakers. His ability to control tempo, win battles in the middle, and contribute to goals puts him among the most complete midfield talents in the Premier League.  
  • Mohamed Salah: Salah’s records are well documented, but even as physical attributes naturally shift with age, his football intelligence, technical quality, and goal threat remain significant. He continues to generate key chances in transitions, underlining his importance to this Liverpool team. 

Liverpool Team News

Conor Bradley has undergone successful knee surgery and will miss the rest of the season. Alexander Isak is still two months away from returning to action due to a serious ankle injury he suffered against Tottenham. 

Predicted Line-Up

  1. Nottingham Forest: 4-2-3-1
    Ortega, Aina, Milenkovic, Murillo, Williams, Sangare, Anderson, Hudson-Odoi, Gibbs-White, Ndoye, Jesus

  2. Liverpool: 3-6-1
    Alisson, Gomez, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez, Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Wirtz, Salah, Gakpo, Ekitike.

Suggested Bets

Kick things off with a generous welcome bonus and take your bets to the next level.  

  1. Both Teams To Score (Yes): Forest usually finds the net at home, and Liverpool, without question, are more than capable of getting past Forest’s stubborn backline. 17/25 (1.68) with Betway.

  2. Totals (Over 2.5): With a level of revenge around this fixture and three valuable points, expect a feisty affair from the first whistle. 71/100 (1.71) with Unibet.

  3. To Win (Liverpool): Liverpool are by far the superior outfit in this contest. 81/100 (1.81) with William Hill.

Value Bets

Increase your chances with informed tips and discover potential wins through carefully selected value bets. 

  1. Last Goal (Nottingham): Whether Liverpool dominates this fixture or not, Forest will have the last say. 31/20 (2.55) with Midnite.

  2. Second Half Both Teams To Score (Yes): More opportunities will present themselves after the break as both teams assert themselves and the game opens up. 43/20 (3.15) with BetMGM.

  3. Anytime Goal Scorer (Hugo Ekitike): Ekitike will be determined to guide his team to victory, especially with his clinical finishing ability. 2/1 (3.00) with Betfred.

Prediction: Liverpool To Win

 Despite Nottingham Forest having home ground advantage, Liverpool arrives with a distinct level of hunger and determination on their side, which will see the Reds claim maximum points on the day as they continue to claw their way toward those European qualifying spots. 

Marc Strydom
Marc StrydomSports Writer

A dedicated sports lover with a wealth of experience in the sports betting world, Marc Strydom has mostly worked as an Editor-in-chief of a sports betting newspaper in South Africa. Marc’s enthusiasm covers many sports, though he is most passionate about football and the NBA. He has covered a wide range of topics on multiple respected platforms.

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